The use of ion-exchange resins as a blood preservation system.

A system using ion-exchange resins for the storage of whole blood was investigated. Blood was collected into CPD, thoroughly mixed and then divided into equal amounts. To one half of the split units, four grams of phosphate charged Amberlite IR-45 resin were added, while no additions were made to the other split units. Both aliquots were stored at 4 C, adhering to routine blood banking standards. The blood stored with the resin for up to 28 days maintained high levels of 2,3-DPG and adequate levels of ATP. This new resin system has several advantages over the present blood preservation technology. There is initial increase in pH that promotes greater glucose utilization. Inorganic phosphate is provided to maintain both ATP and 2,3-DPG levels. The resin buffers the blood and maintains a narrower pH range for red blood cell enzyme activity. The resin is totally inert, completely filterable and has the ability to adsorb bacteria from the suspending solution.