In Vivo Viability Studies of Two Additive Solutions in the Postthaw Preservation of Red Cells Held for 3 Weeks at 4 Degrees C

An optimized additive solution was developed for the postthaw preservation of red cells that contained adenine, glucose, disodium phosphate, and citrate buffer. This solution, called AS-17, was compared to AS-3 solution in a clinical trial using 40 subjects (20 in each arm). Fresh-frozen red cells were thawed and deglycerolized after 1 to 18 months and subjected to a second period of storage in either solution for up to 3 weeks at refrigerator temperatures. Both solutions yielded red cells with 24-hour survivals in excess of 75 percent. Cells stored in AS-3 for 21 days had a mean survival of 77 +/- 8 percent and cells stored in AS-17 a mean survival of 79 +/- 11 percent. The AS-17 solution resulted in improved maintenance of pH, p50, and 2,3 DPG compared to that with AS-3, but both solutions appear adequate for 3 weeks of postthaw storage.