7 Important Things to know about Irradiated Blood Safety
Irradiated blood has become an important aspect in the modern medicine world, thus making it very essential in the safety of blood transfusion whereby the patients have a filtered immune system. Although it may seem like it is the subject of a sci-fi novel, exposure of blood to radiation is an accurately regulated, scientifically proven procedure to eliminate life-threatening complications. Actually to most American patients going through cancer, organ transplants, or patients with immunodeficiency, the difference between life and death may be irradiated blood.
This blog is aimed at demystifying the facts behind the use of the irradiated blood: what it is, why it should be used, and with what consequences to the donors and recipients. We will delve into the science behind, its safety, its benefits as well as the controversies behind it but at least our readers will get a well-rounded picture when we are finished.
The Science of Irradiated Blood Learnings
Irradiated blood refers to the blood which has been hit by gamma rays or X-rays to eliminate T-lymphocytes (white blood cell). This procedure is important since T-lymphocytes when not inactivated in the donated blood may cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) to occur in some susceptible patients. GVHD happens when the donor T-cells attack the recipient tissues usually, fatally.
During the irradiation process, a bag of blood components, normally red cells or platelets, will be inserted into a specialized type of machine called a blood irradiator. The device also uses ionising radiation to inactivate the lymphocytes but has little or no effect on the red blood cells and the platelet themselves.
The study published in Transfusion Medicine Reviews (2020) suggests that irradiated blood provides undeniable benefits to the patients with immunosuppressed patients who undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation specifically.
Use of Radiation to Irradiate Blood Why and When?
Only not all patients require the irradiated blood. Indeed, it is prescribed only to certain high-risk cases. The common signs are:
- Patients who undergo stem cells or bone marrow transplants
- Immature infants that are on exchange transfusion
- Congenital immunodeficiency syndromes patients
- People who are undergoing chemo-therapy or radiation therapy
- The recipients of the organ transplant
The explanation is straightforward, the immune system is either weak or purposely suppressed to avoid rejection or the complications. In these cases introducing the active T-cells of donors may cause drastic immune action.
In a review by The British Journal of Haematology (2019), it has been pointed out that the mortality rate of GVHD reaches almost 90 percent in cases associated with transfusion, making its prevention by using irradiation a non-negotiable staple in transfusion related therapies.
What Is the Rate of Effectiveness of Blood Irradiation?
Studies have always demonstrated that irradiated blood is so much efficient in the prevention of transfusion-related GVHD (TA-GVHD). Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also acknowledges that blood irradiation is being touted as one of the best prophylactic arms in transfusion medicine in the modern world.
Furthermore, other research reports like the one that appeared in Vox Sanguinis (2018) attest the fact that the process does not largely impact the functionality of red blood cells or their lifespan. Nonetheless, it has slight sacrifices. An example is that the shelf life of irradiated red blood cells is relatively shorter (usually 14 days following exposure to radiation) than that of the non-irradiated bleeding cells.
Hematologist, Dr. Julia Renner, of the Johns Hopkins University writes:
This is not all precautionary measures, Irradiated blood is necessary to some patients. It has been provides evidence related to its benefit in alleviating fatal transfusion complications.”
Are Irradiated Bloods Hazardous?
The most popular of the irradiated blood myths is that irradiated blood is radioactive or will hurt a person. This is not true at all. The blood itself is not rendered radioactive by the radiation applied, only certain immune cells are impaired. This is similar with the sterilisation of surgical equipment; it is not about danger it is about safety.
Moreover, the patients who are provided with irradiated blood cannot be exposed to radiation. This is a treatment that is done prior to the treatment of blood to the patient. It should also be mentioned that those, who provide blood to be irradiated, do not face any further procedures and dangers.
Regulations Concerning Irradiated Blood in U.S.
The FDA, AABB (formally American Association of Blood Banks) and Joint Commission of the United States have placed strict standards on blood irradiation. These regulations stipulate when and how much blood has to be irradiated, by whom it is to be given and the documentation necessary at every stage.
The hospitals and blood banks must be labeled clearly and follow the distribution and expiration date of irradiated units. Another important tool is a decent audit and quality inspection system to guarantee safety of patients.
The administration of irradiated blood is sometimes published in every clinical protocol, particularly that of the oncology and transplant departments where the use of this process is embedded in patient care.
Development and Possible Future Developments
Although the gamma irradiation is still a gold standard, X-ray blood irradiation is getting more attention. Also, X-rays do not require radioactive isotopes such as cesium-137 and this may lead to security dangers.
As a study released in Journal of Clinical Apheresis (2021) argues, it is discovering that X-ray irradiators are equally effective, and they are becoming more common in American hospitals. There is also the issue of automated quality control systems and enhanced logistics, as blood irradiation is becoming quicker and easier.
Moreover, inactivation of pathogen technology is under observation by scientists who suggest to kill off bacteria, virus and white blood cells using a single process sterilization process resulting in the elimination of need to irradiate the blood separately.
Lifesaving Treatments Cannot Do Without
The use of irradiated blood in hematology, oncology, and neonatology is one of the foundations of today. Its usage is directed at decades of research, regulatory authority, and clinical need. Although there are certain logistical impediments, which include shorter shelf life and price, the advantages are much more than the disadvantages.
Moreover, the patients that require irradiated units can always get access to them through the U.S. blood supply system. Such cooperation among blood banks, hospitals, and regulators means that the treatment is affordable and safe.
With the increasing awareness of the public and the further improvements in medical technology, there is going to be the further spread in the utilization of irradiated blood- providing hope and healing to more vulnerable patients as time goes by.
Conclusion: Irradiated Blood An established Lifeline
Summing up, there is nothing sterile about IRR nagged blood: it can only condone that it is a life-saving safety precaution. Protecting cancer patients to safeguarding premature babies, the innovation is a witness to the power of the science to seek out solutions to medical difficulties with accuracy and compassion.
Myths about irradiated blood can be caused by the lack of knowledge among people. Nevertheless, with the support of clinical researches, professional evaluations, and state policies, its worth is beyond doubt. The same technology is still used in healthcare in America so as to have safe and effective transfusions among vulnerable groups.
In the future, there are innovations in the field of irradiation technology and methods of blood processing, which are bound to make this already life-saving method even better. As a patient or a medical practitioner, or simply anybody interested in what goes on in medical research, it is necessary to know what the facts regarding irradiated blood are.
