Is there an agent for virus inactivation that can be used in whole blood samples, that still allows to make routine tests in those samples, like blood cell count and blood chemistry?
Dear Enrique
There is no validated or approved technique for inactivation of viruses in whole blood, even for therapeutic use. While it is "relatively" easy to inactivate free enveloped and, to some extent as well, non-enveloped viruses in plasma, it is more complicated to inactivate cell asssociated (e.g. lymphocytes-associated) viruses without affecting the integrity of the cells. The only technique that could possibly do the job currently is photoinactivation combining a photosensitizer such as riboflavin and illumination. This technique is, however; yet not approved for clinical use and requires careful conditions for its application. Leucoreduction may remove some cell-associated viruses but would obviously affect the blood count. In conclusion, to the best of my knowledge there is no simple procedure that could ensure inactivation or removal of viruses in whole blood samples without affecting the integrity if the cells (RBC, platelets, WBC). Kind regards, Thierry
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