Leukocytes are removed from transfusable blood components by a process called:

The process of removing leukocytes (white blood cells) from transfusable blood components is known as leukoreduction. This technique is used to minimize the risk of febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions and to reduce the transmission of certain infections that may be associated with white blood cells.

Leukoreduction can be performed using filtration methods that specifically target leukocytes, thereby resulting in blood components that are safer for patients with a history of reactions to transfusions. This practice is essential in improving patient outcomes and is widely adopted in transfusion medicine, especially for patients who require multiple transfusions or have certain health conditions.

The concept of white cell depletion is closely related to leukoreduction, as it aims to decrease the number of white cells; however, leukoreduction is the more commonly used term in clinical practice that encompasses the broader methods, including filtration techniques specifically designed for this purpose.

Filtration by itself refers to the physical process of strain by which components are separated based on size, without highlighting the specific intention towards leukocyte removal. Plasma exchange involves the removal of plasma from the blood and replacing it with other fluids, but it does not specifically address leukocyte removal.

In summary, leukoreduction is the most accurate term