blood filter

blood filter

A device attached to a unit of blood or components—between the bag and the patient—which is designed to retain blood clots, white cells and debris.
 
Blood filters
• 1st-generation filters—Screen–pore size 17–260 µm that traps the most clinically significant particles, i.e., gross debris and sludge; because it is used with all components, it is also known as a “standard” blood filter, and is used for platelet concentrates and cryoprecipitates.
• 2nd-generation—Microaggregate filters have a micropore screen–pore size 20–40 µm, and remove 75–90% of WBCs; these filters are used for RBC transfusions as they trap degenerated platelets, WBCs and fibrin.
• 3rd-generation filters—Function by adhesion, remove 99–99.9% of WBCs and may be used for transfusing RBCs and platelets; routine use of micropore filters to decrease the incidence of transfusion-related ARDS is controversial and slows the flow rate, making them unpopular in urgent care.

blood filter

Transfusion medicine A device attached to a unit of blood or components designed to retain cells, blood clots, debris. See Leukocyte reduction.