A hypotonic storage solution did not prolong the viability of RBCs.

Abstract

Hypotonic storage solutions and WBC filtration are both reported to improve RBC viability. This study tested the ability of an investigational hypotonic storage solution (AS-24, Medsep Corp.) to extend the viability of liquid-stored RBCs to 8 weeks. In a pair of crossover trials, 11 RBC units, WBC-reduced by filtration and stored in AS-24 for 8 weeks, were compared with units from the same donors that were stored for 6 weeks in AS-3, and 13 RBC units, WBC-reduced by filtration and stored in AS-3 for 8 weeks, were compared with units from the same donors that were stored for 6 weeks in AS-3. Viability was measured by the (51)Cr/(99m)Tc double-isotope method. RBC viability at 8 weeks averaged 64 +/- 3 percent in the AS-24 units and 67 +/- 2 percent in the AS-3 units. It was equal at 77 +/- 3 percent and 77 +/- 2 percent after 6 weeks' storage in AS-3 in both trials. Prestorage WBC reduction and storage in AS-24 did not extend RBC viability to 8 weeks. The improved viability previously demonstrated with storage of dilute suspensions of RBCs in hypotonic solutions is probably caused by factors other than the hypotonicity.