Synthetic, plasma-free, transfusible storage medium for red blood cells and platelets

The invention is a sterile, plasma-free storage medium for blood components including red blood cells and for platelets processed separately or together. The red cell storage medium includes a physiologically compatible, aqueous electrolyte solution. In one liter of this electrolyte solution there is between about 3.0 grams and about 25.0 grams of dextrose, between about 3.0 grams and about 6.0 grams of sodium citrate, and between about 2.0 grams and about 4.2 grams of sodium bicarbonate. The red cell storage medium is isotonic and has a pH in a range of between about 6.8 and about 7.4. The red cell storage medium is capable of storing and preserving red cells for at least 49 days. The medium can also contain adenine.