Transfusion -associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD) is an adverse effect of blood transfusion which, although rare, is usually fatal. Patients in certain clinical categories, including bone marrow transplants, solid tumours and acquired T cell defects, are at a greater risk of developing TA-GVHD. TA-GVHD can be prevented by irradiation of blood products prior to transfusion.

The RAD-SURE® blood irradiation indicators provide positive, visual verification of irradiation. When attached to blood products, RAD-SURE® indicators show whether the blood products have been irradiated. Before a blood product and its attached indicator are irradiated, the indicator reads "NOT IRRADIATED". After irradiation, the word "NOT" in the indicator window is obscured and the indicator reads "IRRADIATED".

RAD-SURE® indicators are now available for gamma and X-ray irradiation sources. ISP, in addition, has developed UVA indicators for both platelets and plasma products.
 
RAD-SURE® Gy 25 and XR 25 Blood Irradiation Indicators

• Positive Visual Verification of Irradiation
• FDA Registered Medical Device and CE Marked
• Easy to use, misinterpretation is impossible
• Batch Number and Expiry Date printed on every box
• Bar-coded batch number information included on every indicator
• Temperature History Indicator in every box
• FDA approved adhesive
• Environmentally stable to temperature, light exposure and water immersion
• Reliable product with customer satisfaction worldwide
  

References
 Anderson KC, Goodnough Lt, Sayers M, et al.
"Variation in Blood Componant Irradiation Practice: Implications for Prevention of TA-GVHD"
Blood 1991; 77:2096-102

Luban NLC
"Prevention of TA-GVHD by inactivation of T Cells in Platelet Components"
Seminars in Haematology Vol 38 No 4, Suppl 11 (1 October), 2001: pp34-35

Leitman SF
"Dose, Dosimetry and Quality Improvement of Irradiated Blood Components"
Transfusion 1993: 33:447-9

Blood Irradiation: A users Guide
AABB Press 1996

Rosen NR, Weldner JG, Boldt HD, Rosen DS
"Prevention of TA-GVHD: Selection of an adequate Dose of Gamma Radiation"
Transfusion 1993: 33:125-7

TLD Dosimetry Services Brochure
Landauer Inc., Glenwood, IL 1992

DOSE-MAP™ Dosimetry Services Brochure
International Speciality Products, Wayne, NJ 1993

Leitman SF, Silberstein L, Fairman RM, Lewis DF
"Use of a radiation Sensitive Film Label in th equality Control of Irradiated Blood Components" (Abstract)
Transfusion, 1992: 32(Suppl):4S

Masterson ME, Febo R
"Pretransfusion Blood Irradiation: Clinical Rational and Dosimetric Considerations"
Medical Physics 1992: 19:649-57