BACKGROUND:Granulocyte apheresis is a safe and effective method for granulocyte collection. We present a five year experience (2006-2010) of the Blood Center, Faculty Hospital Ostrava, Czech Republic. Donor granulocyte transfusion is one treatment option for haemato-oncology patients with severe neutropenia complicated by bacterial/fungal infections unresponsive to standard antibiotic/antifungal treatment. In this study, we describe the experiences of the Blood Centre at the Faculty Hospital in Ostrava of granulocyte apheresis. METHODS AND RESULTS:A total of 149 granulocyte units were collected for 33 patients from the Department of Haemato-oncology, University Hospital Olomouc, over a 5-year period (2006-2010). Information on donor selection, laboratory screening, mobilization regimen and granulocyte yield was obtained and analyzed. All mandatory screening tests for infection markers, AB0 and Rh and abnormal erythrocyte antibodies were performed. The cytomegalovirus status of the donors was not investigated. Steroids were the only mobilization regimen used, and were generally well accepted. The mean granulocyte yield was 12.6×10(9)/per transfusion unit (range 5.4-30.3). All granulocyte concentrates were irradiated and transfused according to AB0 Rh compatibility within 24 h after collection. CONCLUSION:Based on our experience, granulocytapheresis is a safe and effective method for obtaining granulocytes but the yield can be significantly influenced by other variables. From the recipients' perspective, the use of donor granulocytes supports an effective therapeutic modality.