Effect of initial storage at room temperature on human red blood cell ATP, 2,3‐DPG, and viability

Abstract
The concentrations of ATP and 2,3-DPG [diphosphoglycerate] and posttransfusion viability were measured in human red blood cells exposed for 1, 4 and 7 h to room temperature before refrigerated storage for 21 days. No effect of room temperature storage was observed on ATP or viability. Decrease in 2,3-DPG was accelerated by room temperature exposure, but the differences in 2,3-DPG were small and unlikely to have a significant adverse effect on red blood cell O2 delivery. Delays of up to 7 h in refrigeration of blood do not appear to have serious adverse effects on red blood cell viability or function.