Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Risk reduction strategies for transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) include the preferential use of male donors to provide fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Implementing this measure based on FFP quarantine program is a very complex process. To improve FFP inventory management and the availability of FFP from male donors, the Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology(®) (PRT) system for FFP using riboflavin and UV light was adopted in our region in 2012. METHODS: The percentage of male/female FFP units issued and TRALI cases in patients receiving FFP in the period before implementing riboflavin and UV light (2010-2011) was compared with the period post implementation of riboflavin and UV light (2012-2013). RESULTS: In 2010 and 2011, there was one FFP transfusion-related TRALI case reported per year, when the proportion of male/female FFP distributed to the hospitals was 60/40. During 2012 and 2013, there have been no FFP transfusion-related TRALI cases, when the proportion of male/female FFP distributed to the hospitals was around 97/3. Mirasol PRT allows quick availability (24 h from collection) compared to quarantined FFP (≥3 months from collection). CONCLUSION: Thanks to its readiness, simplicity and feasibility, riboflavin- and UV light-treated FFP implementation can facilitate the preferential use of FFP from male donors as a TRALI prevention strategy.