Packed red cell transfusions -- improved survival, quality and storage.

Various anticoagulant-preservative solutions were investigated with a view to determining which would give optimal shelf life of packed cells. Satisfactory 24-hour post-transfusion survival (greater than 70%) after 28-day storage was obtained with citrate phosphate 277 mM dextrose, 0.25 mM adenine (CP2 X D-adenine). After addition of a rejuvenating electrolyte solution through a multiple closed plastic pack system, there was further improvement in viability, oxygen delivery capacity and metabolic activity of stored erythrocytes, with reduction in both plasma potassium and microaggregate numbers. No untoward reactions were observed during or after transfusion of 440 units of rejuvenated blood.