A Study Protocol to Assess the Effects of Storage on Blood Components and Packed Red Blood Cells in Blood Bank

Background: For preservation of Packed Red blood cells (PRBCs), the recommended optimum conditions includes storage at 2-60 C in specialised blood storage refrigerators. PRBCs are required for blood transfusions in some life-saving situations and can be stored for 42 days. But during this storage period, continuous degradation of RBCs occurs and oxygen carrying capacity gets reduced. These changes inadvertently affect the lifespan of stored RBCs. Therefore during this storage period, routine evaluation is recommended. This study aimed to assess the storage effects on Blood Component and internal quality control of packed red cells.

Methodology: This Prospective Cohort study includes analysis of 50 Packed Red blood cells bags for RBC count, Haemoglobin and RBC indices. The analysis will be done on Day 1, Day 21 and Day 42 from the date of blood collection. The study will be carried in Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Blood Centre and Department of Pathology, JNMC, AVBRH, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha. The data collected will be analysed using appropriate statistical tools.

Expected Results: Haemoglobin and Red cell indices with the help of cell counter will be analysed. Effects of storage on packed red blood cells will be drawn from the analysis.