What characterizes washed red blood cells?

Washed red blood cells are characterized by having undergone successive saline washes. This process involves suspending red blood cells in saline solution and then centrifuging them to remove the plasma and any residual transfusion-related substances such as antigenic proteins, white blood cells, and platelets. The washing reduces the volume of plasma and removes potential contaminants, minimizing the risk of febrile reactions and other immune responses in the recipient.

The washing process helps to ensure that the red blood cells are as pure as possible, making them safer for transfusion, particularly in patients with a history of transfusion reactions or certain immune conditions. This thorough washing is crucial for specific patient populations, such as those with IgA deficiency or allergies.

When considering alternatives, washed red blood cells will not contain high levels of plasma, nor will they contain platelets, as the washing process specifically removes these components. Additionally, while washed red blood cells might have some limitations compared to unwashed cells in terms of viability over time due to washing stress, they are not inherently less effective for transfusion in the appropriate clinical context.