Autologous red cells derived from cord blood: collection, preparation, storage and quality controls with optimal additive storage medium (Sag-mannitol).

To investigate whether packed red cells (PRCs) prepared from autologous cord blood-packed red cells (AC-PRCs) could be used as an alternative for homologous-packed red cells (H-PRCs), we developed a system to collect and prepare AC-PRCs and determined standard storage parameters during 35 days of storage in extended storage medium (Sag-mannitol). We collected and fractionated cord blood from 390 newborns. The amount and quality of the AC-PRCs were analysed. The bacterial contamination rate was 1.84%. Twelve AC-PRCs were stored for 35 days, and standard laboratory parameters were measured at day 1 and day 35. The initial laboratory parameters of the AC-PRCs were similar to the parameters of the H-PRCs. After 35 days, the AC-PRCs displayed an increased haemolysis rate compared to H-PRCs (1.1 versus 0.2%) and also a significant decreased adenosine triphosphate value (1.2 versus 2.3 micromol L(-1)). Haemoglobin, haematocrit and pH were comparable in both groups. AC-PRCs meet the quality criteria for H-PRCs after 35 days. Utilizing a closed collection system for cord blood and an extended storage medium will increase safety and quality and facilitate the routine transfusion of autologous red cells derived from cord blood.