Analysis of saline-washed red cells for transfusion to neonatal patients

A protocol was developed under which washed red cells were used to provide small-volume transfusions for neonatal patients (under 4 months of age). Two pediatric units, each containing approximately 135 ml of red cells, were prepared from a freshly collected unit of group O Rh-negative whole blood. Units not more than 6 days old were washed with 1l of 0.9 percent NaCl in a blood cell processor. Aliquots of the washed red cells were drawn into labeled syringes for transfusion to neonatal patients. Data collected from 40 units of washed red cells prepared according to this protocol showed 83 percent red cell recovery, and satisfactory reduction in white cells, plasma proteins, extracellular potassium, red cell metabolic waste products, and anticoagulant. Over 5 years, a total of 2085 different neonatal patients received 7875 separate transfusions prepared from 1860 units of washed red cells. The clinical response was excellent, and no suspected reactions were reported.