24-hour 51Cr post-transfusion survival, 51Cr life span and haemolysis of red blood cells stored at 4 degrees C for 56 days in AS-3.

Background And Objectives: Red blood cells (RBC) were collected either by a manual method using a 16-gauge needle or by an apheresis procedure using an 18-gauge needle, and were stored at 4 degrees C in a solution of CP2D (anticoagulant)/AS-3 (Nutricel) for 56 days. The purpose was to compare the outcome of the autotransfused red cells collected by both techniques.

Materials And Methods: Five healthy male volunteers were studied on two occasions.

Results: The autotransfusions of the manual and apheresed RBC resulted in a mean 24-h post-transfusion survival of 71%, a normal mean 51Cr RBC life span, a 2,3 DPG level that was less than 10% of normal, and 0.6% haemolysis.

Conclusions: Whether collected manually or by apheresis, the outcomes were similar for RBC stored at 4 degrees C for 56 days in CP2D/AS-3.