UK Blood Transfusion & Tissue Transplantation Services
Guidelines for the Blood Transfusion
Services in the UK


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Table 8.23

Table 8.23 Red cell components
Component nameTechnical informationStorage temp. (°C)Max. storage period (days)Transport temp. (°C)Volume (mL)Hb. content (g/unit)Other
LSLUSLLSL
Whole Blood, Leucocyte DepletedA unit of blood collected into an anticoagulant.

A unit of whole blood, Leucocyte Depleted consists of 450 mL±10% of blood from a suitable donor (see Chapter 3), plus 63 mL of anticoagulant, which is then leucocyte depleted, and stored in an approved container.
4 ± 235 (solution containing adenine)

28 (other)
2-1042052040Haemolysis see Section 8.2
Red Cells, Leucocyte DepletedA red cell component prepared by removing a proportion of the plasma from leucocyte depleted whole blood or by leucodepleting plasma reduced red cells.4 ± 235 (solution containing adenine)

28 (other)
2-1022034040Haemolysis see Section 8.2
Red cells in Additive Solution, Leucocyte DepletedA red cell component prepared by removing a proportion of the plasma from leucocyte depleted whole blood and suspending in an approved additive solution or by removing a proportion of the plasma from whole blood, suspending in an approved additive solution followed by leucodepletion of the red cells.4 ± 2422-1022034040Haemolysis see Section 8.2
Red cells, Washed, Leucocyte DepletedA red cell component, which has been washed with 0.9% w/v sodium chloride for injection (BP). The Red Cells,Washed, Leucocyte Depleted may then be suspended in an approved additive solution.

The amount of residual protein will depend on the washing protocol.Washing can be performed by interrupted or continuous flow centrifugation.

The use of validated washing procedures that incorporate chilled saline, at least for the final wash and chilled approved additive solution for suspension, is recommended.This will minimize the risk of bacterial contamination and helps to produce a component that meets the transit temperature requirements.

After preparation, the component should be used as soon as possible.
4 ± 21 (not suspended in additive solution)

An increased storage period may result from validation work
2-10LocalLocal40Protein <0.5g/unit
Red Cells, Thawed and Washed, Leucocyte DepletedA red cell component frozen in the presence of a cryoprotectant (preferably within 5 days of collection), and washed before use.The Red Cells,Thawed and Washed, Leucocyte Depleted may then be suspended in an additive solution.

The concentration and nature of the cryoprotectant must provide appropriate protection of the red cells at the intended storage temperature.The entire process of freezing, thawing and washing must be validated and documented.

The use of validated washing procedures that incorporate chilled saline, at least for the final wash and chilled approved additive solution for suspension, is recommended.This will minimize the risk of bacterial contamination and helps to produce a component that meets the transit temperature requirements.

After preparation, the component should be used as soon as possible.
4 ± 21 (not suspended in additive solution)

An increased storage period may result from validation work
2-10LocalLocal36Supernatant Hb <2g/unit