Rheological evaluation of X-ray irradiated blood.

CPD blood, in glass containers and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags, was X-irradiated with 50 Gy (n = 4), and then stored for up to 4 weeks. Rheological, hematological and biochemical changes of the red cells during storage were examined. Changes in blood viscosity and various properties of red cells (deformability, shape, hematological indices and concentrations of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate and nucleotides) during storage at 4 degrees C were not altered by the irradiation. The rheological, biochemical and morphological properties of red cells were as well preserved in PVC bags as in glass containers. No abnormal and/or cross-linked proteins in red-cell membranes were induced by the irradiation. Irradiation of PVC bags did not affect the above properties of red cells through any changes in the bag constituents. In conclusion, X-ray irradiation with 50 Gy to CPD blood in PVC bags does not affect the rheological functions of red cells.