Packed red blood cells
Bag of packed red blood cells.
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| Synonyms | stored packed red blood cells, packed cells, red cell concentrate |
Packed red blood cells, also known as red cell concentrate and packed cells, are red blood cells that have been separated for blood transfusion. They are typically used in anemia that is either resulting in symptoms or when the hemoglobin is less than 70-80 g/L (7-8 g/dL). One unit brings up hemoglobin levels by about 10 g/L. Repeated transfusions may be required in people receiving cancer chemotherapy or who have hemoglobin disorders. Cross matching is typically required before the blood is given. It is given by injection into a vein.
Side effects include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, red blood cell breakdown, infection, volume overload, and lung injury. With current preparation methods in the developed world the risk of viral infections such as hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS are less than one in a million. Packed red blood cells are gotten from whole blood or by apheresis. They typically last for three to six weeks.
The widespread use of packed red blood cells began in the 1960s. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. In the United Kingdom they cost about 120 pounds per unit. A number of other versions also exist including whole blood, leukocyte reduced red blood cells, and washed red blood cells.
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Wikipedia