QUALITY OF MULTIPLE-TIME WASHED RED BLOOD CELLS

Abstract

Washed red blood cells (WRC) are effective for preventing nonhemolytic transfusion reactions. However, no report has evaluated the quality and residual plasma proteins in multiple-time washed RBC. We evaluated the quality of once, twice, or three-times washed RBC during the 72 hours after washing. Washed RBC were prepared by removing the supernatant of centrifuged RBC and adding saline. Twice or three-times washed RBC were prepared by repeatedly washing. The RBC recovery rate was more than 98% even for three-times washed RBC. Residual plasma protein, IgA, and haptoglobin (Hp) values were decreased by repeatedly washing RBC. pH was maintained at above 6.8 during the storage period. The MCV, 2.3-DPG and RBC osmotic fragility test did not significantly differ between the 3 groups. ATP was significantly decreased only in the three-times washed RBC group in the 72 hours after washing. Supernatant Hb values and hemolysis rates were higher in the multiple-times washed RBC groups than in the once-washed RBC group during the storage period, but the hemolysis rate did not increase above 0.3%. Although supernatant potassium values after washing increased in a time-dependent manner, there was no difference between the 3 groups. Residual plasma protein, IgA, and Hp levels were markedly decreased by multiple washings. The quality of RBC was well-maintained until the end of their shelf life after multiple washings.