24-hour Cr-51 post-transfusion survival, Cr-51 life span and haemolysis ofred 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 degreesC in a solution of CP2D (anti coagulant)/AS-3 (Nutricel) for 56 days. The purpose was to compare the outc ome of the autotransfused red cells collected by both techniques. Materials and Methods Five healthy male volunteers were studied on two occa sions. Results The autotransfusions of the manual and apheresed RBC resulted in a mean 24-h post-transfusion survival of 71%, a normal mean Cr-51 RBC life sp an, 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 s imilar for RBC stored at 4 degreesC for 56 days in CP2D/AS-3.