The Effect of Disinfection on Viability and Function of Baboon Red Blood Cells and Platelets

Abstract

Abstract : Blood disinfection is currently being evaluated as a means of reducing or eliminating the risks of disease transmission associated with blood transfusion. For the past 10 years our laboratory has used baboons to evaluate the effects of various disinfection treatments on autologous red blood cell and platelet viability and function in vitro and in vivo. We have used radioactive (51Cr) methods to evaluate the posttransfusion survival and lifespan of disinfected red blood cells. The in vivo recovery and lifespan of platelets were assessed using either radioactive 51Cr or 111-Indium. The function of the platelets was evaluated by their ability to correct an aspirin-induced thrombocytopathy. We observed that in some instances in which the disinfected autologous red blood cells showed no alterations in vitro measurement, recovery in vivo and lifespan were decreased. In view of these findings, we believe that it is prudent to continue studies in the baboon before attempting studies in normal volunteers.