Additive solution for the suspension and storage of deglycerolized red blood cells

The additive solution, ADSOL, was evaluated for its suitability in the extended storage of previously frozen, deglycerolized red blood cells. In vitro comparison with red cells suspended in 0.2% dextrose 0.9% saline showed that ADSOL allowed for significantly enhanced adenosine triphosphate preservation throughout the storage period (greater than 2.2 mumol/g Hb beyond 14 days) and for significantly reduced hemolysis (less than 1% beyond 14 days). After 10 days of storage in ADSOL the mean recovery after transfusion was 90% (index of therapeutic effectiveness, 77%). No bacterial contamination was observed. The results suggest that this currently approved additive solution could be used to store red cells for 14 days following thawing, thus avoiding one of the principal drawbacks of frozen red cells.