Effect of incubation temperature on human red cell survival

The effect of in vitro response of normal human erythrocytes to temperatures between 41 degrees C and 43 degrees C for two hours was determined. In vivo survival was measured employing 51Cr and 14C-cyanate as red cell tags. No significant difference was observed between cells exposed to these temperatures and erythrocytes incubated at 37 degrees C. The results of this study are of value in various types of extracorporeal blood treatment where an elevated temperature is desired.