Biochemical and Hematological Changes in Whole Blood Stored in CPDA: A Pilot Study from North Central Nigeria

Introduction: Blood transfusion is one of the lifesaving haematological procedures for prevention of disease morbidity and mortality. Blood transfusion is a critical component of modern healthcare at the secondary and tertiary health facilities in Nigeria. However, storage of blood leads to series of biochemical, haematological and metabolic changes which may impact the efficacy and safety of transfused blood. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse some basic biochemical and haematological parameters in Citrate Phosphate Dextrose Adenine (CPDA) stored blood. Study Design: These is a prospective, longitudinal, laboratory-based experimental study. Methodology: Three bags of CPDA stored blood of type A, B and O from consented voluntary donors were sampled in aliquots, stored at 2-80C and analysed on day 0, 1, 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 Parameter such as Haematocrit, Haemoglobin concentration, blood cells count, plasma electrolytes, pH and glucose were determined using centrifugation, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, fluorescence flow cytometry, potentiometric and glucokinase methods respectively. Results: Plasma concentration of potassium showed marked increase of greater than 500% while transaminases showed gradual decrease. Glucose showed remarkable decrease only after day 14 up to (-51%), lipids after 14days however, the PCV, urea, creatinine, pH, lipids and proteins do not show any significant change over the period of this study. Conclusion: The CPDA stored blood at temperatures between 2-80C maintained cellular architecture and possible viability, however, potassium concentration should be monitored after storage for 1week to avoid hyperkalaemia.