Packed red blood cells

Packed red blood cells (also known as PRBCs and packed cells) are a type of blood product typically used in blood transfusion services. PRBCs are created by removing as much of the plasma, white blood cells, and platelets as possible from whole blood units. The remaining product is a concentration of red blood cells suspended in a small amount of plasma.

History

The use of packed red blood cells in transfusion medicine dates back to the early 20th century, when it was discovered that separating the components of whole blood could extend its shelf life and reduce adverse reactions in recipients. This discovery led to the development of modern blood banking techniques.

Preparation

The preparation of packed red blood cells involves several steps. First, a unit of whole blood is collected from a donor. This blood is then centrifuged to separate the different components. The plasma, white blood cells, and platelets are removed, leaving a concentrated solution of red blood cells. This solution is then resuspended in a small amount of plasma to create the final product.

Uses

Packed red blood cells are primarily used in the treatment of anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. They may also be used in the treatment of trauma patients who have lost a significant amount of blood, as well as in surgical procedures where blood loss is expected.

Benefits and Risks

The primary benefit of using packed red blood cells in transfusions is that they can increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood without increasing its volume. This can be particularly beneficial in patients with heart or lung disease, who may not be able to tolerate an increase in blood volume.

However, there are also risks associated with the use of packed red blood cells. These include the potential for transfusion reactions, the transmission of infectious diseases, and the risk of iron overload in patients who receive frequent transfusions.

See Also

• Blood transfusion
• Blood product
• Anemia
• Trauma (medicine)