Nine days post-thawing red cell conservation in a synthetic medium. Biochemical studies

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Hematology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Current transfusion practices face challenges with the 24-hour expiration of thawed red blood cells (RBCs).
• This short shelf-life leads to significant waste of rare and valuable blood products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative synthetic medium for extending the post-thaw storage of RBCs.
• To assess the viability, function, and post-transfusion survival of RBCs stored in the new medium.

Main Methods:

• A novel synthetic medium was formulated with specific concentrations of adenine, glucose, sucrose, phosphates, and NaCl.
• Thawed RBCs were stored at 4°C in the developed medium for up to 15 days.
• RBC viability, function (ATP, 2,3-DPG), sterility, pH, free hemoglobin, adenylate energy charge, and post-transfusion survival were evaluated.

Main Results:

• RBCs stored for 15 days post-thawing in the new medium maintained viability and function.
• Storage for up to 9 days at 4°C in the medium ensured sterility, with pH at 6.80.
• Stored RBCs exhibited 50% 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, 100% adenosine triphosphate, and 89% 24-hour survival post-transfusion.

Conclusions:

• The developed synthetic medium effectively preserves the viability and function of thawed RBCs.
• This medium supports extended storage of thawed RBCs for up to 9 days, significantly improving transfusion potential.
• The findings suggest a promising solution to reduce RBC wastage and enhance transfusion efficacy.