Core pharmacology

Class Group

Blood Products

Legacy Cicm Level

Level 1

Presentation

250-300ml/unit

Mechanism of action

Collection:
Collected as whole blood samples in CPD (citrate, phosphate and dextrose)

Preparation:
Citrated, centrifuged, leucodepleted
Generally irradiated
ABO and rhesus matched

Storage:
4’C for decreased metabolism and bacteria
SAG-M
- Saline (tonicity), adenine, glucose and manitol (keeps tonicity stable)

Adverse Effects Toxicity

Effects of Storage:
- Some red cells become spherical and have increased rigidity (10-20% lost on transfusion by 24 hours)
- Buffering capacity lost due to lactic acidosis and leading to pH of 6.5
- Decreased 2,3-DPG
- Paralysis of Na/K/ATPase leads to potassium concentration of 30mmol/L at 30 days
- Glucose decreases (19 to 12)
- Free haemoglobin increases

Special Points

Lifespan:
42 days (28 if washed)