[The function of granulocytes stored in whole blood in relation to the storage time].

Whereas numerous investigations and extensive experiences have been available for some years on problems of storing erythrocytes and thrombocytes, it was only recently that the storage of granulocytes with the aim at maintaining their function for a longer period has been given proper regard as a problem, which, however, could not be brought to a satisfactory solution. Primarily, attention is focused on specific cell physiology. At the same time it is necessary to have at hand a number of approaches covering as many partial aspects of the granulocyte function as possible to identify the functional damages or the extent of cell damage in connection with storage. In the present paper the behaviour of granulocytes under conditions commonly used in transfusion medicine for storing blood are investigated for a period of 4 days by controlling the total leukocyte and granulocyte values, pH value, osmolality, vitality test in the colour excluding test as well as by function tests such as behaviour of phagocytosis and NBT capability of reduction. A report is presented on the results of quantitative and qualitative changes in the investigated parameters.