What is the recommended prevention method for febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions?

• A. Administration of antihistamines
• B. Leukoreduction of blood products
• C. Pre-medication with corticosteroids
• D. Using irradiated blood products

Answer: (B)

The recommended prevention method for febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions is leukoreduction of blood products. This method involves the removal of white blood cells from the blood product before transfusion, which significantly decreases the likelihood of these febrile reactions occurring.

Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions occur due to the immune response triggered by the recipient's body reacting to leukocytes or other components present in the transfused blood. By employing leukoreduction, the white blood cells that may provoke this immune response are significantly reduced, thereby minimizing the risk of such reactions.

In contrast, while antihistamines and corticosteroids can alleviate symptoms of allergic reactions, they do not specifically target the mechanism behind febrile non-hemolytic reactions. Additionally, the use of irradiated blood products is primarily aimed at preventing transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease rather than febrile reactions. Therefore, leukoreduction stands out as the most effective prevention strategy against febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions.