Biochemistry of Packed Red Blood Cell Concentrates Stored in PAGGS‐Sorbitol Solution for 42 Days1

Abstract
We investigated metabolic, blood gas and acid‐base balance modifications of erythrocyte concentrates resuspended in PAGGS‐sorbitol solution during 6 weeks of storage. Glucose utilization was impaired during the last 2 weeks, while the intraerythrocytic ATP level decreased only 50% from the 1st to the 6th week. The K+ and Hb concentration in the medium showed a progressive increase which was more pronounced during the last 2 weeks. The decrease in pH progressed to reach 6.27 at the 6th week of storage. Intraerythrocytic 2,3‐DPG dropped rapidly in the course of the 1st week and the percentage of oxyhemoglobin showed a remarkable increase after the 1st week (90%). Our data suggest that erythrocyte concentrates in PAGGS‐sorbitol should be transfused, for optimal efficacy, within 4 weeks.