Use and Analysis of Saline Washed Red Blood Cells

Abstract

Data collected from 50 saline washed units of red blood [human] cells shows that units washed with 1 l of 0.9% NaCl on an IBM cell processor have an average hematocrit of 72.2%, with 84.7% of the white blood cells removed, and only 0.6% of the original total protein remaining. The red blood cell recovery is 85.5%. Other advantages include low extracellular K and reduction in supernatant Hb, metabolic waste products, debris and nonviable cells. Over 1500 washed units were transfused, with an average of 150/mo. The clinical response was very favorable with only one suspected reaction reported since the use of washed cells, and no reported cases of hepatitis.