packed cells
Noun: - A preparation of blood cells separated from the liquid plasma: Packed cells are a blood component consisting primarily of red blood cells, with most of the plasma removed. They are used in medical transfusions.
Packed cells are a specific medical product used for transfusion. - The laboratory prepared the unit of packed cells for the emergency transfusion. - The standard treatment for severe anemia often involves a transfusion of packed cells.
- Clinical Context: The term is primarily used in healthcare settings (hospitals, blood banks, medical literature) to specify the type of blood product being administered. It is used to distinguish this component from whole blood, plasma, or platelets.
- The hematologist ordered two units of packed cells to raise the patient's hemoglobin level without causing volume overload.
- Packed red blood cells (PRBCs): A more precise and commonly used synonym in clinical practice.
- The blood bank inventory showed a low supply of O-negative packed red blood cells.
- Red cell concentrate: Another technical term for the same product.
- Packed red blood cells (PRBCs)
- Red cell concentrate
The term "packed cells" has a single, specific meaning in medicine. It is not used in general or figurative language. Its use is strictly related to the therapeutic transfusion of red blood cells to increase oxygen-carrying capacity while minimizing the volume of fluid introduced into the patient's circulatory system, as referenced in the provided context.
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a preparation of blood cells separated from the liquid plasma
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packed cells are given to severely anemic patients in order to avoid overloading the circulatory system with too much fluid
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