Storage of red cells in a CPD/SAGM system using Teruflex PVC

A quadruple plastic bag system made of Teruflex PVC (Terumo) was tested. Red cells separated from plasma and buffy coat were resuspended in SAGM solution. After storage for 42 days, the 24-hour posttransfusion autologous survival was 73.3 +/- 6.6% (means +/- SD), range 61.8-80.7%, n = 10. The shape of the cells was changed so that normal or slightly abnormal morphology was found in 37 +/- 7% of the cells after 42 days. Spontaneous in vitro hemolysis was 0.63 +/- 0.32% (range 0.28-1.13). A sufficient glucose reserve still remained at the end of storage, but glucose consumption and lactate production were impaired during the last 2 weeks due to the increasing acidity. By extrapolation from other studies it is suggested that 35 days is a more suitable shelf life than 42 days in this system.