Blood preservation using metabolic regulators and nutrients: XXI. Further studies on pyruvate and DHA (dihydroxyacetone).

CPD-adenine is being adopted in Europe for five weeks for regular blood bank storage and six weeks for emergency use storage. There may be a need to maintain normal levels of 2,3-DPG during this prolonged storage time. In a pilot study from this laboratory, improved 2,3-DPG maintenance was noted with DHA and pyruvate during the fifth and sixth weeks of storage. DHA and pyruvate are relatively unstable in aqucous solutions and in the present study extra care was taken with their experimental use. The additive effect of using DHA and pyruvate together in maintaining 2,3-DPG was confirmed in this study in which significant improvements were seen as early as the seventh day of storage.