A simple method for the preparation of microaggregate-poor whole blood

Microaggregate-poor whole blood is prepared by collecting blood in ordinary double or triple plastic bag systems, separating cell-poor plasma and buffy coat from the red cells but without disconnecting the plasma bag and the red cell bag from each other. The double unit is stored at refrigerator temperature. After 10 days' storage, the tube connecting the two parts of the double unit can be sealed upon which further storage is done separately. In this way all whole blood units in stock will have both a low content of microaggregates and a normal or nearly normal affinity for oxygen.