Systems for Improved Red Blood Cell Storage

The objectives of this project are to design, develop, test, and evaluate prototypes of Systems for deoxygenating human packed red blood cells that are fully compatible with current blood banking techniques and devices. The goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of reducing red cell oxygen partial pressures to below 2 mmHg and maintaining the oxygen partial pressure at or below this level during long-term storage. Oxygenator hollow fiber membrane material will be used in a de-oxygenator designed, fabricated, and optimized for this project. A prototype of the overall system will be constructed and tested. The feasibility and future practicality, simplicity, ease-of-use, consistent performance, and low cost for military and commercial blood bank use will be evaluated and demonstrated. BENEFITS: The benefits of longer red cell storage periods include logistical benefits to the military, greater flexibility and reduced waste in the storage and use of red cells by commercial blood banks, and improved red cell quality. The lengthened storage of red cells for potential combat or blood bank use result in significantly less overall outdating and discarding of red cells.