Irradiation of Blood Components

This is an overview of graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), paying special attention to the similarities and differences between GVHD in the bone marrow transplant setting and transfusion-associated GVHD (TA-GVHD). Reports of TA-GVHD are reviewed to help define patient groups at risk for TA-GVHD. The amount of irradiation and the possible deleterious effect of blood irradiation are discussed. The process of blood component irradiation in a lab setting and the available types of blood irradiation equipment are also covered.