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Does transfusion using a syringe infusion pump and small-gauge needle cause hemolysis?
Transfusion
|November 1, 1981
Summary
Red blood cell hemolysis increased with longer storage times and slower infusion rates in a syringe pump system. Nine-day-stored cells showed significantly more hemolysis than two-day-stored cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Red blood cell (RBC) storage duration can impact cellular integrity.
- Infusion systems may induce mechanical stress on RBCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hemolysis in stored RBCs infused via a syringe pump system.
- To determine the effect of storage duration and flow rate on RBC hemolysis.
Main Methods:
- Sedimented RBCs (hematocrit 65%) stored for two and nine days were infused.
- A constant-rate syringe delivery pump and a 25-gauge needle were used.
- Plasma-free hemoglobin and potassium levels were measured at varying flow rates (10.6, 20.5, 70 ml/hour).
Main Results:
- Significant RBC hemolysis was observed during infusion.
- Nine-day-stored RBCs exhibited greater hemolysis compared to two-day-stored cells.
- Slower flow rates exacerbated hemolysis in nine-day-stored cells, but not in two-day-stored cells.
Conclusions:
- Syringe pump infusion can cause significant RBC hemolysis, particularly with longer storage.
- Storage duration and flow rate are critical factors influencing hemolysis in RBC infusion.
- Clinical protocols should consider RBC storage time and infusion parameters to minimize hemolysis.