Efficacy in reducing potassium load in irradiated red cell bags with a potassium adsorption filter

BACKGROUND: The transfusion of red cell (RBC) bags with high amounts of potassium (K) causes concern about an increased risk of cardiac arrest because of transient hyperkalemia. To prevent K+ overload, a K+ adsorption filter (PAF) is available for use at bedside. The aim of the present study was to analyze the efficacy in reducing K+ load in irradiated RBC bags with this PAF. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole-blood (WB) bags were collected from volunteer donors on Day 0. RBC bags were prepared from WB bags on Day +1 and stored at 2 to 6 degrees C. RBC bags were irradiated on Day +14 and filtered with the PAF on Day +28, according to the manufacturers' instructions. The plasma electrolyte levels (Na+, K+, Cl-, Ca2+, and Mg2+) were measured at the different points during storage. RESULTS: Twelve RBC bags were prepared with a final volume of 274 +/- 15 mL. On Day +28, the volume of RBC bags was 257 +/- 15 mL, and the PAF was used at a flow rate of 4 +/- 0.7 mL per minute. K+ level after RBC bag preparation was 1.28 +/- 0.59 mmol per L. The K level was 60.6 +/- 2.68 mmol per L on Day +28, just before filtration with the PAF After filtration, the level of K+ was 3.42 +/- 2.91 mmol per L. CONCLUSION: This study has shown a high efficacy in reducing potassium load in irradiated RBC bags with the use of the PAF.