Recent advances in the preparation and storage of red cells.

The policy of blood collection for transfusion and the supply of fractionated plasma products differ between countries which has a strong impact on the choice of methods for RBC preparation and storage. Separation into components and storage of red cells in ASs are commonly used. New methods for improved preparation have been developed, allowing better standardization of the blood components. Several new compositions of AS have been described which improve quality with respect to oxygen affinity of the RBC haemoglobin and prolong shelf live. Multiple component systems using apheresis technique have been developed, particularly designed for autologous use.