BACKGROUND: This study explored the effect of storing packed RBCs suspended
in 200 mL of an alkaline, hypotonic, experimental additive solution (EAS 6
1).
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Packed RBC units prepared from RBCs collected fro
m healthy donors in CPD were stored for 8 (n = 10) and 9 (n = 10) weeks und
er blood bank conditions after the addition of 200 mt of EAS 61 (adenine, 2
mM dextrose, 110 mM; mannitol, 55 mM; NaCl, 26 mM; Na2HPO4, 12 mM). Standa
rd methods were used for in vitro assays. The 24-hour in vivo autologous re
coveries were measured with Cr-51.
RESULTS: Mean rt SD recoveries at 8 and 9 weeks were 81 +/- 7 and 77 +/- 7
percent. After 9 weeks, the ATP of the RBCs was 81 percent of the initial v
alue, hemolysis was 0.35 percent, supernatant potassium was 46 mEq per L, a
nd the morphologic index was 94.1.
CONCLUSION: Packed RBCs suspended in 200 mt of EAS 61 can be stored satisfa
ctorily for 9 weeks. Longer RBC storage should reduce outdating, increase a
vailability of transfusions in remote locations, and improve the efficiency
of autologous donor programs.