Storage of erythrocytes in artificial media.

Abstract

The storage of red blood cells (RBC) for extended periods in artificial media without plasma has been studied. Blood was collected in either heparin or ACD solution; the plasma was removed; and one or two volumes of a solution containing 2 to 3 mM adenine, 5 to 60 mM Na2HPO4 55 mM glucose, and 120 to 140 mM NaCl was added to the packed RBC. Control samples were stored in ACD plasma containing an equivalent concentration of adenine (ACD‐ad). Viability studies were done on three consecutive days in each of 22 subjects, using the subject's own blood stored in various preservatives for 41 to 57 days. After this period of storage, the mean viability of ACD‐ad stored blood was 73.5 per cent and of erythrocytes stored in artificial media, 74.4 per cent. Cells stored for longer periods had diminished viability, but the viability of cells stored in artificial media was equivalent to or superior to that of controls. After 42 days' storage, 2,3 DPG levels of RBC stored in artificial media were higher than those of controls, and in some instances, the 2,3 DPG content was one‐third to two‐thirds that of fresh blood. Some of the potential advantages of this system for blood preservation are:1. The suspending medium is discarded prior to infusion so that less potentially toxic substances are administered.2. Plasma is removed at the beginning of storage so that labile factors are available for fractionation.3. 2,3 DPG levels are higher, so that, theoretically, the oxygen‐delivering capacity of the transfused cells is greater.