The effects of irradiation on the blood dynamics

The present study evaluates the effects of irradiation on the blood dynamics.

Thirty-six volunteers providing written consent participated. A blood sample was transferred into three tubes containing CPDA-1 solution while another blood sample was transferred into three tubes containing heparin. Each tube containing CPDA-1 solution was paired with another tube containing heparin. The first pair was not irradiated, not stored and analyzed immediately (Group 1). The second pair was not irradiated, stored and analyzed at seven days (Group 2). The third pair was irradiated, stored and analyzed at seven days (Group 3). The blood count was performed and the blood viscosity was determined.

The mean hemoglobin contents were 126 g/l for Group 1, 128 g/l for Group 2 and 129 g/l for Group 3. For the mean hemoglobin contents, the difference between Group 1 and Group 3 (P<0.001) and Group 2 and Group 3 (P=0.01) were significant. The mean red blood cell volumes were 81.8 fl for Group 1, 82.1 fl for Group 2 and 82.3 fl for Group 3. For the mean red blood cell volumes, the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (P=0.003) and Group 1 and Group 3 (P=0.006) were significant. The mean blood viscosities were 2.2 mPa s for Group 1, 2.8 mPa s for Group 2 and 3.2 mPa s for Group 3. For the mean blood viscosities, the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (P<0.001), Group 1 and Group 3 (P<0.001) and Group 2 and Group 3 (P=0.004) were significant.

The present study indicates that the recommended doses of irradiation for the blood products to be used in attempt to prevent the transfusion associated graft versus host disease leads to marked alterations in the blood dynamics and might decrease the viability of the red blood cells following transfusion.