Correlation between hemolysis index and storage period to potassium levels of Packed Red Cell in Sanglah General Hospital, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: The quality of a blood product is determined by collecting, processing, storing, and transporting it. When blood is stored, there will be mechanical and biochemical changes. Mechanical changes consist of morphological changes and hemolysis, while one of the biochemical changes is increased plasma potassium levels. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the hemolysis index and the storage period to potassium levels of the packed red cell (PRC).
 Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study at Sanglah Hospital. The sample was taken from the tube in the PRC blood bag and then a complete blood count and potassium analysis were performed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 for Windows.
 Results: From 70 subjects, the median hemolysis index was 0.15% (0-1.69%), the mean storage period was 12.06±4.95 days, and the mean potassium level was 12.06±3.92 mmol/L. The Spearman test results showed a positive weak significant correlation between the hemolysis index and potassium levels (r=0.360; p=0.002). The Pearson test results also showed a positive weak significant correlation between the parameter of the storage period and potassium levels (r=0.357; p=0.002).
 Conclusion: There was a positive weak significant correlation between the hemolysis index and the storage period to potassium levels of the PRC.