Christopher Bjerkvig1,2,3, Joar Sivertsen4, Hanne Braathen4, Turid Helen Felli Lunde4, Geir Strandenes4,5, Jörg Assmus6, Tor Hervig3,4, Andrew Cap7, Einar K Kristoffersen3,4, Theodor Fosse1,2,3, Torunn Oveland Apelseth4,8. 1. Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. 2. Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commando, Norwegian Armed Forces, Bergen, Norway. 3. Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. 4. Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. 5. Department of War Surgery and Emergency Medicine, Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Services, Oslo, Norway. 6. Department of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. 7. U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, USA. 8. Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of emergency medical service agencies and hospitals are developing the capability to administer blood products to patients with hemorrhagic shock. Cold-stored whole blood (WB) is the only single product available to prehospital providers who aim to deliver a balanced resuscitation strategy. However, there are no data on the safety and in vitro characteristics of prehospital stored WB. This study aimed to describe the effects on in vitro quality of storing WB at remote helicopter bases in thermal insulating containers. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a two-armed single-center study. Twenty units (test) were stored in airtight thermal insulating containers, and 20 units (controls) were stored according to routine procedures in the Haukeland University Hospital Blood Bank. Storage conditions were continuously monitored during emergency medical services missions and throughout remote and blood bank storage. Hematologic and metabolic variables, viscoelastic properties, and platelet (PLT) aggregation were measured on Days 1, 8, 14, and 21. RESULTS: Storage conditions complied with the EU guidelines throughout remote and in-hospital storage for 21 days. There were no significant differences in PLT aggregation, viscoelastic properties, and hematology variables between the two groups. Minor significantly lower pH, glucose, and base excess and higher lactate were observed after storage in airtight containers. CONCLUSION: Forward cold storage of WB is safe and complies with EU standards. No difference is observed in hemostatic properties. Minor differences in metabolic variables may be related to the anaerobic conditions within the thermal box.
BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of emergency medical service agencies and hospitals are developing the capability to administer blood products to patients with hemorrhagic shock. Cold-stored whole blood (WB) is the only single product available to prehospital providers who aim to deliver a balanced resuscitation strategy. However, there are no data on the safety and in vitro characteristics of prehospital stored WB. This study aimed to describe the effects on in vitro quality of storing WB at remote helicopter bases in thermal insulating containers. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a two-armed single-center study. Twenty units (test) were stored in airtight thermal insulating containers, and 20 units (controls) were stored according to routine procedures in the Haukeland University Hospital Blood Bank. Storage conditions were continuously monitored during emergency medical services missions and throughout remote and blood bank storage. Hematologic and metabolic variables, viscoelastic properties, and platelet (PLT) aggregation were measured on Days 1, 8, 14, and 21. RESULTS: Storage conditions complied with the EU guidelines throughout remote and in-hospital storage for 21 days. There were no significant differences in PLT aggregation, viscoelastic properties, and hematology variables between the two groups. Minor significantly lower pH, glucose, and base excess and higher lactate were observed after storage in airtight containers. CONCLUSION: Forward cold storage of WB is safe and complies with EU standards. No difference is observed in hemostatic properties. Minor differences in metabolic variables may be related to the anaerobic conditions within the thermal box.