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Development of a riboflavin and ultraviolet light‐based device to treat whole blood
Author(s) -
Reddy Heather L.,
Doane Suzann K.,
Keil Shawn D.,
Marschner Susanne,
Goodrich Raymond P.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.12047
Subject(s) - hemostasis , whole blood , hemolysis , platelet , in vivo , medicine , pathogen , red blood cell , babesiosis , riboflavin , blood irradiation therapy , immunology , biology , virology , surgery , pathology , food science , microbiology and biotechnology , alternative medicine
Background In the U nited S tates, blood components are commonly used for patients in need of massive transfusion after blood loss. In combat situations, when severe traumatic injuries occur far from a hospital, fresh whole blood is a valuable transfusion therapy because components may not be available. The risk of infectious or immunological complications from fresh whole blood transfusions could be mitigated by a system that reduces pathogen loads and inactivates white blood cells ( WBCs ). Such a system is in development and utilizes riboflavin and ultraviolet light to provide pathogen reduction and WBC inactivation. Study Design and Methods The system has been tested with in vitro and in vivo animal studies to evaluate WBC inactivation and pathogen reduction, and with in vitro studies to assess the function of the treated blood products. Results Elimination of viable WBCs with the system is equivalent to gamma‐irradiation. Results have been reported for reduction of B abesia microti , T rypanosoma cruzi , HIV , and bacteria, and preliminary results for B abesia divergens are available. Treated whole blood, platelets, and plasma maintain coagulation function. Treated red blood cell components exhibit low hemolysis and high adenosine triphosphate levels at the end of storage. Conclusions Treatment with riboflavin and ultraviolet light is a promising alternative to gamma‐irradiation. Effectiveness of the system against a variety of pathogens has been established, and further studies are planned. The in vitro studies of function indicate that treated whole blood, as well as components from treated whole blood, will provide acceptable hemostasis and perform well in the next phase of in vivo studies.