[Reference value of glutamic transaminase to prevent non-A non-B post-transfusion hepatitis].

GPT is currently used as a surrogate test for detection of the non-A, non-B carrier state. Among the patients who received the blood at least one blood unit from donor with relatively high level of GPT (26-35 KU), incidence of post-transfusion NANB hepatitis was higher than that of the patients who received only blood with low level of GPT (less than or equal to 25 KU). It is expected that introduction of lower GPT cut-off value will substantially reduce the incidence of post-transfusion NANB hepatitis.

Prevention of acquired defects in platelet function during blood processing.

Two kinds of platelet concentrates were prepared in this study: one as pelleted platelets from platelet-rich plasma (PCs), and the other as a platelet suspension from the buffy coat fraction (nonpelleted PCs). The characteristics of both platelet concentrates were studied. White cell contamination in the nonpelleted PCs was below the threshold of detection by a microcell counter (less than 300 cells/microliter of concentrate); in the pelleted PCs, it was 3 +/- 1 x 10(7) cells per concentrate.