Red cells and platelets. Modifications for special patients.

Blood components are modified to meet the clinical requirements of specific patient populations. The clinical indications for some well-established components have narrowed with the development of new technology. Leukoreduced blood components are being considered for a variety of clinical applications. Published data support the use of leukoreduced components to prevent febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. The routine use of such components for other indications should be considered experimental, and the cost effectiveness of experimentally validated indications should be evaluated.