Successful storage of RBCs for 10 weeks in a new additive solution

BACKGROUND: The effect of storing packed RBCs suspended in 300 mL of an alkaline, experimental additive solution (EAS 64) was explored. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBC units prepared from blood collected from healthy donors into CPD were WBC reduced and stored for 10 weeks under blood bank conditions after the addition of 300 mL of EAS 64 (adenine, 2 m M ; dextrose, 50 m M ; mannitol, 20 m M ; NaCl, 75 m M ; Na 2 HPO 4 , 9 m M ). For comparison, non‐WBC‐reduced units from the same donors were stored in a different additive solution (AS‐1, Baxter Healthcare) for 6 weeks. Standard methods were used for the in vitro assays. The 24‐hour in vivo recoveries were measured by using 51 Cr‐ and 99m Tc‐labeled RBCs. RESULTS: Mean recovery in the EAS 64 units after 10 weeks was 84 ± 8 percent, the same as in the AS‐1 units stored for 6 weeks. For EAS 64 and AS‐1 units, respectively, the ATP of the RBCs was 85 percent and 64 percent of the initial value, hemolysis was 0.43 percent and 0.63 percent, supernatant potassium was 24 mEq per L and 44 mEq per L, and the morphologic index was 98 and 71. CONCLUSION: RBCs suspended in 300 mL of EAS 64 can be stored satisfactorily for 10 weeks. Longer RBC storage should reduce outdating, increase availability of transfusions in remote locations, and improve the efficiency of autologous donor programs.