Effect of modern infusion pumps on RBC quality.

Background: Mechanical stress on red blood cells is associated with using infusion pumps for blood administration. Current standards in North America leave it to healthcare facilities to consult with manufacturers about infusion pump safety for transfusion; studies on various pumps and red blood cell (RBC) conditions are scarce.

Study Design And Methods: RBC units were pumped through four infusion pumps on d22 (22 days postcollection), d40, d28 after gamma irradiation on d14 (I14d28), and d22 after irradiation on d21 (I21d22).