Assessment of qualitative functional parameters of stored red blood cells from donors with sickle cell trait (AS) or with heterozygote (AC) status

We have compared the storage quality of three groups of 10 red blood cell concentrates of the AA, AS and AC haemoglobin phenotype. The 30 samples were drawn on CPD on day 0, and were centrifuged 6 hours later. Leukocytes were removed on D1 and the samples were kept at +4 degrees C for 42 days in SAG-mannitol. Viability tests were performed using a series of in vitro tests, including: ATP, 2,3-DPG, K+, glucose, lactic acid, pH, osmotic fragility tests and erythrocytic morphology determination. Results demonstrated a good functional quality for AS and AC haemoglobin RBCs. Higher 2,3-DPG levels were found in Hb AS and Hb AC. A lower osmotic fragility in Hb AC and AS RBCs versus Hb AA was observed; no significant difference was found in terms of ATP levels and other parameters. In addition no variation in S and C haemoglobin levels and no sickling were observed. In conclusion, these results indicate an overall good quality for haemoglobin AS and AC RBCs. Further in vivo studies must now be performed in order to confirm the transfusional quality of haemoglobin AS and AC RBCs.