Raman spectroscopy as a novel tool for monitoring biochemical changes and inter-donor variability in stored red blood cell units.
Individual units of donated red blood cells (RBCs) do not ordinarily undergo analytical testing prior to transfusion. This study establishes the utility of Raman spectroscopy for analyzing the biochemistry of stored RBC supernatant and reveals interesting storage-related changes about the accumulation of lactate, a chemical species that may be harmful to certain patients. The data show measurable variations in supernatant composition and demonstrate that some units of donated RBCs accumulate lactate much more readily than others. The spectra also indicate a higher relative concentration of lactate in units collected from male donors than female donors (p = 0.004) and imply that there is a greater degree of variability at later stages of storage in units from older male donors (>45 years). The study proves that Raman analysis has promise for elucidating the relationship between the metabolism of stored RBCs and donor characteristics. It also suggests that there may be benefit in developing a Raman instrument for the rapid non-invasive assessment of blood-bag biochemistry by measuring through plastic over-layers.
Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, BC, Canada. turner@msl.ubc.ca and Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, V6T 1Z1, Vancouver, BC, Canada. blades@chem.ubc.ca.
Chad G
CG
Atkins
Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, BC, Canada. turner@msl.ubc.ca.
Kevin
K
Buckley
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, V6T 2B5, Vancouver, BC, Canada and Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, V6T 1Z3, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Deborah
D
Chen
Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, BC, Canada. turner@msl.ubc.ca.
H Georg
HG
Schulze
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, V6T 2B5, Vancouver, BC, Canada and Centre for Blood Research, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, V6T 1Z3, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Dana V
DV
Devine
Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, V6T 1Z1, Vancouver, BC, Canada. blades@chem.ubc.ca.
Michael W
MW
Blades
Michael Smith Laboratories, The University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, BC, Canada. turner@msl.ubc.ca and Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, V6T 1Z1, Vancouver, BC, Canada. blades@chem.ubc.ca and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 2332 Main Mall, V6T 1Z4, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Robin F B
RF
Turner
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001793:Blood Preservation; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D055815:Young Adult
D019344:Lactic Acid