METHOD USING OXYGEN REMOVAL FOR EXTENDING THE USEFUL SHELF-LIFE OF REFRIGERATED RED BLOOD CELLS

摘要

A cost-effective, 4 .degree.C storage procedure that preserves red cell quality and prolongs post-transfusion in vivo survival is described. Preservation of adenosine triphosphate levels and reduction in hemolysis and in membrane vesicle production of red blood cells stored at 4 .degree.C for prolonged periods of time is achieved by removing oxygen therefrom at the time of storage. Adenosine triphosphate levels of the stored red blood cells are boosted in some samples by addition of ammonium phosphate.