Selection of anticoagulant-preservatives for canine and feline blood storage

Blood or blood component transfusions have become a well recognized, lifesaving form of therapy in veterinary medicine. Blood used for small animal transfusions may be collected and prepared with a variety of anticoagulants, anticoagulant-preservatives, or additive solutions. Selection of the most appropriate of these collection or storage solutions requires a knowledge of their formulations and of the shelf-lives previously established for storage of canine or feline red blood cells. Other factors that should be considered in the selection process are based on the specific transfusion needs of a clinic and its patients, including whether the blood will be used fresh or stored, the length of storage time desired, and whether components will be prepared. New products and techniques for blood storage continue to be developed, offering exciting new possibilities for the future practice of veterinary transfusion medicine.