Rheologic changes in stored erythrocyte concentrates

: We studied the effect of two different preservation solutions on mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell deformability and flow in narrow tubes in red blood cell concentrates. Blood from 10 healthy blood donors was processed in parallel in SAG-M (S-RBC) as well as in PAGGS-M (P-RBC) in identical aliquots. Samples were studied at days 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42 of storage. MCV was determined using a Du Pont cell counter. Whole cell deformability was determined in a Myrenne Rheodyn. Viscosity reduction in narrow tubes was determined by means of capillary viscosimetry. P-RBC showed a constant MCV over the entire storage period. In contrast, MCV of S-RBC increased and MCHC decreased during storage. P-RBC showed similar deformability and viscosity reduction during storage, whereas deformability decreased and viscosity reduction became less pronounced for S-RBC. Our study shows superior rheological properties of P-RBC. Thus, PAGGS-M may provide better hemoglobin flux and oxygen transport to tissues than SAG-M.