Properties of red blood cell concentrates stored in PAGGS-sorbitol.

The physiological, biochemical, morphological and rheological characteristics of RBC resuspended in PAGGS-Sorbitol were studied over, and beyond, 49 days. The levels of P50 and 2,3-DPG, as well as the concentration of ATP, stayed above acceptable values for longer periods than those described with other Optional Additive Solutions (OAS). Spontaneous hemolysis was kept below 1%, cell morphology, viscosity, deformability and other factors such as pH, the ratio of glucose consumption to lactate formation, the total adenylates and energetic charge indicate that good properties should be seen after 49 days' storage. In vivo survival studies using a double isotope technique showed that at least 75% of those RBC stored in this OAS for 49 days were still in circulation 24 hours after injection. Therefore RBC stored in PAGGS-S can be kept for 49 days with excellent in vivo survival, as well as maintaining DPG levels for up to 3 weeks. Furthermore, a clinical trial in routine conditions for use has been carried out with surgical and medical patients as well as with hemodialysed patients. The results obtained are those that could at least be expected of normal stored blood. As regards RBC/PAGGS-Sorbitol, it would be reasonable to propose a storage period of 49 days in the liquid state.