The effect of two additive solutions on the postthaw storage of RBCs.
BACKGROUND
Sterile systems for freezing and for washing thawed blood will allow the storage of RBCs for more than 24 hours after removal of the cryoprotectant glycerol. This study assessed the effect of two ASs in maintaining deglycerolized RBCs.


METHODS
Twenty-four RBC units were stored for 6 days, pooled in groups of 4, realiquoted, sterilely glycerolized, and frozen. One month later, the units were thawed, sterilely deglycerolized by using an automated system (H215; Haemonetics), and stored for 5 weeks in either 100 or 200 mL of AS-3 or an experimental AS (EAS-61). Sterile samples were taken weekly for chemical and morphometric analysis.


RESULTS
The glycerolization and deglycerolization process produced highly comparable RBC units, but it caused a marked reduction of RBC pH, to about 6.4 at the beginning of storage. The addition of acidic AS-3 further reduced the pH, which in turn reduced glucose consumption, lactate formation, and RBC ATP concentrations. Alkaline EAS-61 increased these measures. Hypotonic EAS-61 caused increased cell swelling and hemolysis, despite better RBC morphology.


CONCLUSIONS
Automation of sterile glycerolization and deglycerolization with the H215 works well, but the solutions should be reformulated for extended postthaw storage. This would best be accomplished by raising the pH of the wash solutions by the addition of disodium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate or both, by using alkaline ASs, and by matching the osmolality of the wash solution and ASs.
Hess
J R
JR
Blood Research Detachment, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC 20307-5100, USA. John.Hess@na.amedd.army.mil
Hill
H R
HR
Oliver
C K
CK
Lippert
L E
LE
Greenwalt
T J
TJ
D000225:Adenine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000097:blood; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D005612:Freeze Drying; D005947:Glucose / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008353:Mannitol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology*
C037839:ADSOL; D008353:Mannitol; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D005947:Glucose; D000225:Adenine