[Blood component therapy after conversion to erythrocyte concentrate with added solutions].

Increased national quality requirements for blood products have led to the replacement of the conventional double-bag system with CPDA-1 anticoagulant by a 4-bag system with additive solution, buffy-coat free. Simultaneously the production of fresh blood was stopped for logistical reasons. Acceptance and possible drawbacks of these important changes in blood supply were analyzed in a postmarketing surveillance study involving some 30 hospitals. Generally the imposed changes have found good acceptance. No major problems have been recorded with regard to transfusion technique, albumin replacement, bleeding tendency etc. Pediatric stations experienced some difficulties with low protein levels in exchange transfusion. Some hospitals did regret the disappearance of fresh blood, but its replacement by the combination of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelet concentrates was well accepted.