Donor white‐blood‐cell survival (microchimerism) following red‐blood‐cell transfusion in Australian patients with burn

Donor white‐blood‐cell (leucocyte) engraftment, also known as transfusion‐associated microchimerism (TAM), remains a potential outcome for some patients who receive a red‐blood‐cell (RBC) transfusion. Australia introduced universal leucocyte filtration of RBC components in October 2008. However, preceding studies in major trauma patients indicate that filtration does not eliminate the potential of TAM following blood transfusion. Any potential for TAM in other patient groups has not been previously characterized. This study aimed to analyse if TAM could be detected in burn patients.