NCT01553214 · National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Improving White Blood Cell Collection From Healthy Donors
What this study is about
Background: \- White blood cells called granulocytes help the body fight infection. People who have had chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants may have very low numbers of these cells. Transfusions of these cells can help improve the body's ability to fight infection. However, most of the cells are located in the bone marrow or spleen, and are hard to collect from healthy donors.
View original scientific description
Background: \- White blood cells called granulocytes help the body fight infection. People who have had chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants may have very low numbers of these cells. Transfusions of these cells can help improve the body's ability to fight infection. However, most of the cells are located in the bone marrow or spleen, and are hard to collect from healthy donors. Two drugs, filgrastim and dexamethasone, can help move the cells to the bloodstream to be collected by apheresis. Researchers want to study the best ways to collect these white blood cells. They also want to monitor the effects of the injections and donations on the volunteer donors. Objectives: \- To improve the amount and quality of granulocytes (white blood cells) collected by apheresis for donation. Eligibility: \- Healthy volunteers between 18 and 75 years of age. Design: * Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Initial blood tests will be done to check for eligibility. * Participants will donate granulocytes by apheresis a maximum of 12 times in 1 year. Donations will not usually be requested more often than every 4 weeks. Donors will be allowed to decline participation at any time. * Participants will have one injection of filgrastim 12 to 24 hours before donation. They will also have two tablets of dexamethasone 12 hours before donation. * White blood cells will be collected through apheresis. The apheresis will last about 2 hours. * Participants will be eligible to donate until they reach their 76th birthday.
Interventions
DRUG
Filgrastim
Donors shall receive G-CSF 480 mcg as a single 1.6-mL subcutaneous injection 12 to 24 hours prior to donation.
DRUG
Dexamethasone
Donors shall ingest dexamethasone 8 mg (two 4-mg tablets) orally 12 hours prior to donation.
Primary outcome measures
Operational feasibility and impact of managing a volunteer community donor granulocytapheresis program
Time frame: Annually
Establishment of a donor registry sufficient to meet the granulocyte transfusion needs of all Clinical Center patients. This endpoint shall include(1) the number of donors recruited into the program (2) the retention rate of donors in the program, assessed by number of donations per year per donor, cumulative number of granulocyte donations per donor, and duration of participation in the program per donor (3) the number of requests for a course of granulocytes per year and the number and percent of these requests that could be met, including the percent of all requested transfusion days on which granulocytes were available (4) the impediments to meeting all requests for granulocyte components, with an analysis of whether these are due to lack of an adequate donor supply or lack of adequate staffing or apheresis capacity (5) characteristics of the patients who are supported by a course of granulocyte transfusions.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Donors shall meet all donor eligibility criteria for allogeneic blood donors, as defined in the most recent editions of the AABB Standards and FDA Code of Federal Regulations (21CFR640). In addition, donors shall meet the following restrictions:
- Age greater than or equal to18 and less than or equal to 75 years
- If hypertension is present, must be well-controlled on medications
- If peptic ulcer disease has been diagnosed in the past, symptoms must be well-controlled on medications
- If cataracts have been diagnosed in the past, records from subject s ophthalmologist must be obtained indicating type of cataract. If PSC was diagnosed in the past, subject may receive G-CSF but not dexamethasone. The only exception to this is a history of bilateral cataract extractions due to PSC.
Exclusion criteria
- Information obtained from health history screen that does not meet the allogeneic donor eligibility criteria of the AABB Standards or the FDA CFR.
- Weight less than 50 kg (110 lbs).
- History of coronary heart disease
- Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP \>160, diastolic BP \>100)
- Diabetes mellitus requiring insulin
- Active, symptomatic peptic ulcer disease
- History of iritis or episcleritis
- Sickle cell disease (sickle trait is acceptable). Testing for hemoglobin S is not required.
- Lithium therapy
- Pregnancy or nursing (breast feeding)
- Renal function eGFR \< 45 ml/min/1.73m(2)
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations