[Erythrocyte concentrated and air transport: evaluation of quality]

The available supply of blood products determines the resuscitation capabilities after natural disasters or armed conflicts. Air flight reduces transport delay. The purpose of the present study was to assess the quality of red blood cell concentrates (RCC) immediately after air transport (j0) and after preservation (j30). We exposed RCC to a real air flight (P) or to low pressure (V) corresponding to an air transport in experimental conditions. The quality of RCC was altered immediately after only the real air flight (hemolysis P = 0.11% versus 0.04% for witness (T)). These alterations were not observed immediately after the simulated flight (hemolysis V = 0.02%). After preservation, the RCC was altered both for those exposed to an air flight or to a low pressure (hemolysis: P = 1.09%, V = 0.78%, T = 0.25%). Other biological alterations (pH, K+, hemoglobin level) suggested that pressure variations are not the only one responsible constraint. Other studies are necessary to point the mechanism and the optimal life of conservation after flight. Exposure of preserved red blood cells to air transport alters their therapeutic properties during aging. However, the therapeutic use of RCC thus transported is not questioned.