Partition of Potassium in Stored Blood

Abstract

K is liberated from the red cells of stored blood quite independently of hemolysis. The plasma K conc. rises rapidly the 1st wk. 5 to 10 times the original level and afterwards rather slowly. The total amt. of extracellular K in blood at 2[degree]-4[degree] C may be 0.2 to 0.4 g. in a wk. At room temp. the rise in K plasma conc. is much less rapid, reaching 44 [plus or minus] 7 mg. per 100 cc. in 6 days. Reduced vol. of diluent, absence'' of foreign salts, increased O tension or storage at 38[degree] C. did not reduce the rate of redistr. of K. Since large amts. of stored blood were administered without toxic symptoms, this repartition of K may be of minor clinical importance. 12 references. Cf. Lancet 238 (6085): 687, 1940.