Go back
Infection?

Infection?

Science

Nemesio
Ursulakantor

Pittsburgh, PA

Joined
05 Mar 02
Moves
34824
Clock
27 Nov 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

On various medical shows, they have shown circumstances where a person's
white blood cell count drops below the point at which they can fight infection,
whether because of some disease or because of radiation or whatever. My
question is: Why can't they just repeatedly transfuse white blood cells to
fight the infection, just like they transfuse platelets or red blood cells?

Nemesio

K

Germany

Joined
27 Oct 08
Moves
3118
Clock
27 Nov 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

I guess it's because the body would reject those white blood cells, but I'm not sure.

M

Earth

Joined
04 Aug 06
Moves
28863
Clock
27 Nov 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Nemesio
On various medical shows, they have shown circumstances where a person's
white blood cell count drops below the point at which they can fight infection,
whether because of some disease or because of radiation or whatever. My
question is: Why can't they just repeatedly transfuse white blood cells to
fight the infection, just like they transfuse platelets or red blood cells?

Nemesio
As far as I am aware, they can. White blood cell transfusions are rare by comparison to red blood cell / platelets, but they are used for patients with immunosuppression who have severe infections that are antibiotic resistant.

M

Earth

Joined
04 Aug 06
Moves
28863
Clock
27 Nov 08
Vote Up
Vote Down

Originally posted by Policestate
As far as I am aware, they can. White blood cell transfusions are rare by comparison to red blood cell / platelets, but they are used for patients with immunosuppression who have severe infections that are antibiotic resistant.
Was beginning to doubt myself for a moment then, but the following is a link on the first results page of a google search.

http://www.mcghealth.org/Greystonedata/CONTENT.ASP?PAGEID=P00106

Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.