To mitigate the risk of transfusion-associated acute lung injury (TRALI), the Armed Services Blood Program collects whole blood from which of the following?

The correct answer, never-pregnant female donors, is linked to the understanding of how transfusion-associated acute lung injury (TRALI) can develop from antibodies present in donor plasma. TRALI is a serious adverse reaction that can occur following blood transfusions, particularly from donors who have developed antibodies against leukocyte antigens, often as a result of pregnancy.

When a woman has been pregnant, especially if she has had multiple pregnancies, she may produce antibodies against certain human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) found in the transfused blood. If these antibodies are present in the blood product and react with the recipient’s immune system, this can lead to the onset of TRALI.

By collecting blood exclusively from never-pregnant female donors, the Armed Services Blood Program significantly reduces the risk of these potentially harmful antibodies being present in the donated blood. This precaution helps ensure the safety and compatibility of blood transfusions, protecting patients from the risk of TRALI.

This understanding also informs why the other choices would not be ideal in mitigating TRALI risks, as blood from pregnant or all female donors may still contain these antibodies. Only male donors, while free from the risk associated with pregnancy, would not be a diverse enough donor base to meet