Are There Better Options Than Cesium-137 Irradiators for Preventing TA-GvHD?
Though it has been the standard practice to use cesium-137 irradiators for transfusions, the FDA has approved using x-ray technology instead. This means you can now prevent TA-GvHD without the use of the radioactive isotope.
What Are X-Ray Irradiators?
During the last decade, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved emerging technology to replace Cesium-137 Irradiators. Traditionally, blood was irradiated using cesium chloride (CsCl), which is a powder form of the highly radioactive isotope Cesium-137.
Alternative Technology to Cesium-137 Irradiators
Blood transfusions are vital procedures that save the lives of many people around the world. Hospitals administer safety measures surrounding this procedure through a machine that utilizes radioactive materials for sterilization.
Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease (TA-GVHD)
TA-GVHD is extremely rare and transfused patients present with fever, rash and diarrhoea commencing 1-2 weeks post-transfusion. Laboratory findings include pancytopenia and liver function abnormalities.
