American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABIM Practice Questions and Study Guide

Washing of blood products is particularly utilized for patients who have a history of severe allergic reactions, especially those associated with transfusions. This process involves removing potential allergens and other plasma proteins from the blood components, which can help reduce the risk of an allergic response during transfusion. In patients with severe allergies, the presence of certain plasma proteins can trigger reactions, and by washing the blood products, healthcare providers aim to mitigate these risks and ensure a safer transfusion experience.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not typically necessitate the washing of blood products in the same way. Hypertension and heart failure may lead to other specific precautions during transfusion but do not inherently increase the risk of transfusion-related allergic reactions to the same extent. Diabetes, similarly, is not associated with a specific need for washed blood products as the primary concern is often blood sugar management rather than allergic reactions related to transfusion.