Successful storage of RBCs for 9 weeks in a new additive solution

BACKGROUND: This study explored the effect of storing packed RBCs suspended in 200 mL of an alkaline, hypotonic, experimental additive solution (EAS 61). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Packed RBC units prepared from RBCs collected from healthy donors in CPD were stored for 8 (n = 10) and 9 (n = 10) weeks under blood bank conditions after the addition of 200 mt of EAS 61 (adenine, 2 mM dextrose, 110 mM; mannitol, 55 mM; NaCl, 26 mM; Na2HPO4, 12 mM). Standard methods were used for in vitro assays. The 24-hour in vivo autologous recoveries were measured with Cr-51. RESULTS: Mean rt SD recoveries at 8 and 9 weeks were 81 +/- 7 and 77 +/- 7 percent. After 9 weeks, the ATP of the RBCs was 81 percent of the initial value, hemolysis was 0.35 percent, supernatant potassium was 46 mEq per L, and the morphologic index was 94.1. CONCLUSION: Packed RBCs suspended in 200 mt of EAS 61 can be stored satisfactorily for 9 weeks. Longer RBC storage should reduce outdating, increase availability of transfusions in remote locations, and improve the efficiency of autologous donor programs.