Collection and Storage of Leukocyte-Depleted Whole Blood in Autologous Blood Predeposit in Elective Surgery Programs

Introduction: The aim of this investigation was to provide evidence that leukocyte depleted whole blood meets the requirements for transfusion of the European Council and thus may be an alternative to leukocyte and plasma depleted packed red blood cells in autologous blood predeposit for patients undergoing elec- tive surgery programs. Material and methods: Standard units of 450 mL blood were collected from 25 healthy male volunteers. Leukocyte depletion was done via inline filtration 4 h after collection. Storage lesion was assessed by measuring the release of K þ , LDH, free hemoglobin, and lactate into the storage medium, as well as by the in- crease of hemolysis, the decrease of pH and consumption of glucose over a storage period of 35 days. As surrogate marker for red cell quality the intracellular concen- trations of adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP) were determined. Results: The extent of storage lesion remained within the ranges of standard liquid storage conditions. Hemolysis was far below the threshold of 0.8% in all WB units at the end of their shelf life. Only minor changes of intracellular adenine nucleotide levels were measured indicating a preserved function of red blood cells in leuko- cyte depleted whole blood. At the end of shelf life 70% � 18% of initial ATP levels were detected.