Leukocyte transfusion
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Leukocyte Transfusion
(Also known as: White Blood Cell Transfusion)
Summary
Leukocyte transfusion is a medical procedure where white blood cells are transferred from a healthy donor to a patient. This is often done to boost the patient's immune system, especially when it is particularly compromised.
Purpose
The main purpose of a leukocyte transfusion is to treat patients with severe infections that their bodies cannot fight off due to a low white blood cell count. It aims to reestablish the patient's immune system defenses to prevent or combat infections.
Indications
- Severe neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell)
- Refractory infections that do not respond to antibiotics
- Bone marrow failure or suppression
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplant
Preparation
- The patient may be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the procedure.
- Blood tests and assessments to determine white blood cell count and compatibility with the donor's cells.
- Review and adjustment of current medications as necessary.
Procedure Description
- Donor Selection: Identifying a compatible donor with an adequate white blood cell count.
- Collection: The donor's white blood cells are collected through a process called apheresis, which separates white blood cells from the rest of the blood.
- Transfusion: The prepared leukocyte concentrate is transfused into the patient through an intravenous (IV) line.
- Tools include an IV catheter, apheresis machine, and sterile transfusion bags.
- Sedation is generally not required, but local anesthetics may be used for the IV insertion site.
Duration
The procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Setting
Typically performed in a hospital or specialized outpatient clinic.
Personnel
- Hematologist or oncologist
- Trained nurses
- Medical technicians
- Transfusion medicine specialist
Risks and Complications
- Allergic reactions
- Fever and chills
- Transmission of infections
- Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
- Possible exacerbation of pre-existing conditions
Benefits
- Enhanced ability to fight infections
- Improved short-term immune response
- Potentially life-saving for patients with severe neutropenia or infections
Recovery
- Monitoring for several hours post-transfusion for adverse reactions.
- Possible temporary side effects like fever or chills.
- Follow-up blood tests to monitor white blood cell count.
- Instructions on activity restrictions and medications, if needed.
Alternatives
- Antibiotic therapy
- Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) injections to stimulate white cell production
- Bone marrow or stem cell transplant for long-term treatment
- Each alternative varies in effectiveness, duration, and risk profile compared to leukocyte transfusion.
Patient Experience
- Patients may feel a slight discomfort or pain at the IV insertion site.
- Typically, patients experience minimal discomfort during the transfusion.
- Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers and comfort measures like warm compresses.
- Monitoring and support from healthcare staff throughout the procedure and recovery process.