X- and gamma-irradiation have similar effects on the in vitro quality of stored red cell components.

Background: Blood components are irradiated to inactivate lymphocytes to prevent transfusion-associated graft versus host disease. As there are little data regarding the effects of X-irradiation on red blood cell components (RBCs), the in vitro quality of stored red cells (standard, pediatric, washed, and intra-uterine transfusion [IUT]) following X- or gamma-irradiation was compared.

Study Design And Methods: RBCs were pooled, split, and processed to produce standard (<14 days and < 5 days post-collection), pediatric (<5 days post-collection), washed (<14 days post-collection), or IUT RBCs (<5 days post-collection). Standard RBCs were either X- or gamma-irradiated (n = 10 pairs). A further 10 replicates were prepared by pooling and splitting three matched RBCs (X-, gamma-, and non-irradiated). All other RBCs were either X- or gamma-irradiated (n = 20 pairs). Red cell indices, hemolysis, potassium release, metabolism, microparticles, ATP, and 2,3-DPG were measured pre-irradiation and 6 h, 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days post-irradiation, depending on the component type. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA.

Results: There were no significant differences in any in vitro quality measurements, with the exception of marginally higher potassium release in washed, IUT, and RBCs <5 days old (p < .0001) following X-irradiation. Both irradiation types increased generation of microvesicles, particularly in components that were older at the time of irradiation or stored for longer post-irradiation.

Conclusion: X- and gamma-irradiation have similar effects on the in vitro quality of RBCs, indicating that either technology is suitable for blood component irradiation.