Rationale and indications for microfiltration of blood in emergency medicine

Documentation in the literature shows that massive transfusions for severe, nonthoracic trauma contribute to development of progressive pulmonary failure in some patients. Further review shows embolic phenomena in cardiopulmonary bypass procedures contribute to a number of postoperative complications. These complications are related to the numbers and physical characteristics of aggregates in banked whole blood and to the morphology of the pulmonary circulation. Many of these complications can be prevented or markedly attenuated by microfiltration of banked blood. It is concluded that all transfusions of banked whole blood and blood products should be administered through microfiltration units.