Plasma adenine and cellular ATP in red cell concentrates collected and stored in modified CPD at 4 C.

Eight units of blood were drawn into modified CPD containing 25 per cent higher glucose and 17.3 mg adenine (0.25 mM in blood). Red blood cell concentrates (RCC) were prepared to a mean hematocrit (Hct) of 70, the cells stored at 4 C, and plasma adenine and red blood cell adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were measured weekly for 42 days. The removal of plasma in the preparation of RCC reduced by 39 per cent the available adenine. As a result measurable plasma adenine was depleted by 21 days. The loss of ATP in RCC occurs at a significantly faster rate than in whole blood stored under the same conditions. When red blood cells are stored at higher HCT or for periods longer than 35 days, increased anticoagulant adenine levels are recommended.