24‐hour 51Cr post‐transfusion survival, 51Cr life span and haemolysis of red blood cells stored at 4 °C for 56 days in AS‐3

Background and Objectives Red blood cells (RBC) were collected either by a manual method using a 16-gauge needle or by an apheresis procedure using an 18-gauge needle, and were stored at 4 °C in a solution of CP2D (anticoagulant)/AS-3 (Nutricel) for 56 days. The purpose was to compare the outcome of the autotransfused red cells collected by both techniques. Materials and Methods Five healthy male volunteers were studied on two occasions. Results The autotransfusions of the manual and apheresed RBC resulted in a mean 24-h post-transfusion survival of 71%, a normal mean 51Cr RBC life span, a 2,3 DPG level that was less than 10% of normal, and 0·6% haemolysis. Conclusions Whether collected manually or by apheresis, the outcomes were similar for RBC stored at 4 °C for 56 days in CP2D/AS-3.