White blood cell transfusions, also known as leukocyte transfusions, refer to the medical procedure where white blood cells (WBCs) are collected from a healthy donor's blood and infused into a patient's bloodstream. White blood cells are a crucial component of the immune system responsible for defending the body against infections, diseases, and foreign substances.
The procedure begins by extracting blood from a compatible donor, usually through a process known as apheresis, which selectively collects the required white blood cells while returning the remaining blood components back to the donor's body. The collected white blood cells are then prepared and packaged for transfusion to the recipient patient.
White blood cell transfusions are typically conducted in cases where a patient has a weakened or compromised immune system due to diseases, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or bone marrow transplants. Such individuals, particularly those with severe infections or low levels of white blood cells in their body, may benefit from an infusion of healthy white blood cells to bolster their immune response and aid in their recovery.
This procedure is considered a specialized and limited practice, often performed in hospital settings under controlled conditions. White blood cell transfusions are tailored to each patient's requirements, taking into account factors such as compatibility, appropriate WBC count, and proper immune response observation.
While white blood cell transfusions can effectively boost a patient's immune system and hasten their recovery, potential risks and side effects exist, such as allergic reactions, fevers, chills, and infection transmission. Therefore, the procedure is closely monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
