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Core temperature changes in resuspended red blood cells (RBCs) and pediatric RBCs removed from refrigerated storage
Holly Elizabeth Perry1, Priyanka Prasad, Susy Kirwan
1Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
Background:
The 30-minute rule, whereby intact red blood cell (RBC) products may be returned to stock if returned to 4 degrees C storage within 30 minutes of issue, was established many years ago. It was based on observations that the core temperature of units of whole blood removed from storage temperatures of 1 to 6 degrees C, and left at room temperature, would reach 10 degrees C at between 45 minutes and 1 hour.
Study Design And Methods:
Forty-one units of RBCs resuspended leukoreduced and 8 units of pediatric RBCs resuspended leukoreduced were exposed to ambient temperature for periods of time between 0 and 60 minutes. Core temperatures of all units were measured at 1-minute or 5-minute intervals.
Results:
Resuspended RBCs units reached a mean core temperature of 10 degrees C at 15 minutes, 12.7 degrees C at 30 minutes, and 15 degrees C at 60 minutes. Pediatric RBCs reached a mean core temperature of 12.8 degrees C at 15 minutes, 15.5 degrees C at 30 minutes, and 17.8 degrees C at 60 minutes.
Conclusion:
In view of our results, and the range of RBC products now available, it may be timely for blood services to review and reduce the 30-minute rule.
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