Red blood cells intended for transfusion: quality criteria revisited.

Great variation exists with respect to viability and function of fresh and stored red blood cells (RBCs) as well as of the contents of RBC hemoglobin (Hb) in individual units. Improved technology is available for the preparation as well as the storage of RBCs. The authors raise the question whether it may be time to revise current standards for RBC units. The establishment of a standard unit of blood based on Hb content should be a high-priority goal. It is recommended that a standard RBC unit should contain 50 g of Hb. Major organizations concerned with the collection and distribution of blood components should agree on the criteria for a standard unit of RBCs based on Hb content and for the collection of double units. Manufacturers of blood collection equipment should provide suitable technology for collecting a standard unit with defined contents of RBC Hb. Efforts should be directed at the design of storage solutions acceptable for transfusion that maximize the maintenance of both RBC viability and function during storage. The ideal storage protocol would require sterile, high-pH solutions containing both glucose and electrolytes.