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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method for extending the useful shelf-life of refrigerated red blood cells by flushing with inert gas

Patent ·
OSTI ID:504949
A method is disclosed using oxygen removal for extending the useful shelf-life of refrigerated red blood cells. A cost-effective, 4 C storage procedure that preserves red cell quality and prolongs post-transfusion in vivo survival is described. Preservation of adenosine triphosphate levels and reduction in hemolysis and in membrane vesicle production of red blood cells stored at 4 C for prolonged periods of time is achieved by removing oxygen from the red blood cells at the time of storage; in particular, by flushing with an inert gas. Adenosine triphosphate levels of the stored red blood cells are boosted in some samples by addition of ammonium phosphate. 4 figs.
Research Organization:
University of California
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36;
Assignee:
Univ. of California, Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,624,794/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-473,675
OSTI ID:
504949
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English