Storage affects allogenic posttransfusion survival of red blood cells in healthy goats

To evaluate the feasibility of biotin labeling of caprine RBCs and determine the posttransfusion survival of allogenic fresh and stored RBCs in healthy goats.

Fifteen 13- to 15-month-old nonlactating goats were randomly assigned to 3 groups (5/group). Each goat served as a donor and recipient and was administered a whole-blood transfusion from a randomly assigned herd mate. The RBCs in whole blood were biotin labeled. Group 1 goats were transfused with fresh biotin-labeled whole blood within 6 hours of collection. Group 2 and 3 goats were transfused with biotin-labeled whole blood stored at 4 °C for 14 and 28 days, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 15 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after transfusion. Biotin-labeled RBCs were detected using flow cytometry, and their half-lives were determined using nonlinear regression. The study was conducted from June 10 through September 2, 2025.

Biotin-labeled RBCs were distinctly detected by flow cytometry. The half-lives of biotin-labeled RBCs in goats in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 4.6, 4.3, and 2.5 days, respectively. The half-lives of biotin-labeled RBCs in groups 1 and 2 were longer than in group 3 (Akaike information criterion difference, > 2). There was no difference in biotin-labeled RBC half-lives between groups 1 and 2 (Akaike information criterion difference, < 2).

Biotin can be used to label caprine RBCs. The half-life of RBCs is affected by storage.

Blood storage for 28 days significantly reduces the half-life of biotin-labeled RBCs after transfusion.