Buffering and dilution in red blood cell storage.
BACKGROUND
Red blood cell (RBC) storage solutions work in a narrow pH range between 7.2 and 6.4. While keeping RBC within that pH range, ATP production can be increased by buffering or dilution.


METHODS
In the first study, 12 units of packed CP2D RBCs were pooled in groups of four, re-aliquoted, and added to one of four additive solutions (ASs): AS-3, 110 mL; EAS-61, 170 mL; EAS-78, 170 mL; or EAS-81, 110 mL. EAS-78 and -81 contain bicarbonate. Units were sampled approximately weekly for 10 weeks for biochemical measures. In the second study, 12 volunteers donated RBCs for measures of (51)Cr in vivo recovery after 6 or 8 weeks of storage in EAS-81.


RESULTS
RBCs stored in the higher-volume or buffered ASs had higher RBC ATP concentrations. The combination had an additive effect. Hemolysis was reduced in dilute ASs and less so with buffering. RBCs stored for 8 weeks (n=6) in EAS-81 exhibited 87+/- 2 percent 24-hour (51)Cr in vivo recovery and 0.4+/- 0.2 percent hemolysis.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to store RBCs for 8 weeks in buffered conventional volume ASs. Combining buffering and increased AS volume improves stored RBC characteristics further.
Hess
J R
JR
Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. jhess@umm.edu
Rugg
N
N
Joines
A D
AD
Gormas
J F
JF
Pratt
P G
PG
Silberstein
E B
EB
Greenwalt
T J
TJ
D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods; D002021:Buffers; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
D002021:Buffers