Storage of Leukocyte-Poor Red Cell Concentrates: Filtration in a Closed System Using a Sterile Connection Device

Abstract

Storage of leukocyte-poor red cell concentrates (LP-RCC) was investigated after filtration in a closed system that was assemble dusing a Sterile Connection Device (SCD). The LP-RCC were stored for up to 6 weeks following filtration with either 0.9% saline solution (n=14) or saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAG M) solution (N=15) to prime and rinse the cellulose acetate filter. The results were compared with the data of nonfiltered buffy-coat-poor red cell concentrates (BC-poor RCC) stored in SAG M solution (n=10). All LP-RCC contained less than 106 leukocytes whereas the nonfiltered BC-poor RCC contained 675.+-.286 .times. 106 leukocytes at day 1, decreasing to 83.+-.49 .times. 106 at day 42. Although glucose consumption, lactic acid production and decrease in pH was similar from day 7 through 28 in both groups of LP-RCC, a significantly steeper decline of ATP values as well as a higher hemolysis and LDH release was observed in the LP-RCC filtered with saline. During storage of the nonfiltered BC-poor RCC in SAG M, significantly higher glucose consumption (p<0.01), LDH release (p<0.001), rate of hemolysis (p<0.001) and a lower pH (p<0.001) were found, compared to the filtered units. It is postulated that the leukocytes present in the nonfiltered BC-poor RCC were responsible for these differences. The ATP values in the SAG-M-filtered and nonfiltered BC-poor RCC in SAG M were comparable. By comparing the ATP levels and values of the filtered RCC and the nonfiltered BC-poor RCC we conclude that the LP-RCC can be stored for 35 dyas if SAG M solution is used to prime and rinse the filter.