Why is irradiation of blood products used?

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Multiple Choice

Why is irradiation of blood products used?

Irradiation of blood products is used to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease by inactivating donor lymphocytes. Donor T-lymphocytes in a transfused unit can recognize the recipient’s tissues as foreign and mount an attack, which can be fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients or when transfusing relatives who share HLA antigens. Exposing the unit to radiation damages the DNA of these lymphocytes, stopping their ability to proliferate and mount a response, so the risk of TA-GVHD is greatly reduced while the red cells and platelets themselves remain usable. This approach does not sterilize the blood or eliminate all pathogens, nor does it prevent alloimmunization to minor antigens, so those outcomes aren’t addressed by irradiation.

Irradiation of blood products is used to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease by inactivating donor lymphocytes. Donor T-lymphocytes in a transfused unit can recognize the recipient’s tissues as foreign and mount an attack, which can be fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients or when transfusing relatives who share HLA antigens. Exposing the unit to radiation damages the DNA of these lymphocytes, stopping their ability to proliferate and mount a response, so the risk of TA-GVHD is greatly reduced while the red cells and platelets themselves remain usable. This approach does not sterilize the blood or eliminate all pathogens, nor does it prevent alloimmunization to minor antigens, so those outcomes aren’t addressed by irradiation.

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