EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL STORAGE ON RED BLOOD CELLS PARAMETERS

Abstract

Blood transfusion is a life-saving treatment for patients with massive blood loss and chronic anemia and a supportive therapy to optimize oxygen delivery and tissue perfusion in critical illness.[1,2] During storage of packed RBCs units, the quality of stored RBCs progressively decreases during hypothermic storage. RBCs undergo a series of biochemical and biomechanical changes, collectively known as the ‘hypothermic storagelesion’(HSL).[3] Methods: This is prospective analytical cross sectional study conducted in Elmak Nimer University Hospital blood bank, and aimed to study the effect of storage on haematological parameters of Red Blood Cells. Anon probability blood samples were taken from afresh collected blood bags, which were already collected from donors for the purpose of clinical routine work after physician approval as fit person, suitable for donation. Then sample of RBCs concentrates are stored in the refrigerator at 2-6 0C. Two ml of stored sample was sent to hematology laboratory for analysis at (days zero, 17 and 35), by Mindray BC 3000 automated haematology analyzer. Results: The results showed a significant variation during storage period in the Hb level, HCT, MCV and MCH, while there was no significant variation in RBCs count and MCHC in the early period of storage, but the variation was clearly observed at the end period of storage (P.value ≤ 0.05). Also there was significant variation in RDW-CV in the early period of storage, but it tends to disappear at the end of storage and this is might be due to the lysis of old cells. Conclusion: The value of some red blood cells parameters can be affected by storage in the refrigerator at 2-6 0C.