Changes in hematological and biochemical parameters and rate of hemolysis during the storage of packed RBC units: A prospective study

Objectives Blood preservation is to provide viable and functional blood components for patients requiring blood transfusion. The blood is preserved in anticoagulants with or without additive solution. The structural or functional changes in red blood cells (RBCs) that occur during storage are known as storage lesions. The objective of the study was to compare hematological, biochemical, percentage of hemolysis, and effect of PH among packed RBC (PRBC) stored in citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA) anticoagulant and PRBC units stored in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM) preservative solution. Materials and Methods This was an observational study conducted for 2 years. A total 100 units of PRBC units were included. The hematological, biochemical, and hemolysis percentages were assessed from a day of preparation to day 35 of Storage. These parameters were compared among blood units stored in CPDA anticoagulant units and citrate-phosphate-dextrose with SAGM preservative units. Statistical analysis This study used both descriptive and inferential statistics for analyzing data. A P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results The mean hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased continuously in both groups and were statistically significant. The mean corpuscular volume value was increased, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) decreased, and no significant change in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The mean percentage of red cell distribution width was nearly equal but red cell count showed variable results. The supernatant sodium level and PH level were decreased but the potassium level was increased continuously. The mean hemolysis percentage was slightly higher in CPDA units as compared to SAGM units. Conclusions The hematological and biochemical changes that were observed are of similar without any marked differences which suggest that both preservatives are useful. Therefore, PRBCs stored in CPDA and SAGM can be kept till the end of the storage period with a better blood bank inventory.