Storage of whole blood in the plasma bag of an ordinary blood component collection set as an emergency preparedness measure.

Background: Demand for whole blood (WB) transfusions can increase dramatically during a disaster, but it is difficult to predict the need for blood products in the early phase of an event. Generally, blood services have large stocks of blood component collection sets but lack bags for the collection of WB for transfusion. While the collection bag in conventional blood component sets often lacks transfusion ports and cannot be used for WB transfusion, the plasma bags in these same sets have transfusion ports and are without filters or additives. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transfer to and storage of WB in plasma bags from blood component collection sets.

Study design and methods: Blood was collected in 10 Reveos (REV) and 10 Macopharma (MP) blood bag systems. Samples were taken from the units on days 1, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after donation. At each sample point, hematological, metabolic, and coagulation parameters were analyzed.

Results: All results from both groups were in accordance with European regulatory requirements until Day 28, where three and one bags from the REV and MP groups, respectively, exhibited hemolysis at or above the 0.8% threshold. By day 35, this rose to seven and three bags, respectively. Platelet count, coagulation function, and factor VIII levels decreased but remained detectable throughout storage.

Discussion: We conclude that storage of WB in the plasma bag of an ordinary blood component collection set as an emergency preparedness measure can maintain quality for a minimum of 21 days.