Storage of Blood Components Does Not Decrease Haemostatic Potential: In vitro Assessment of Fresh versus Stored Blood Components Using Thromboelastography

SUMMARY: BACKGROUND: Major surgery and severe trauma typically lead to massive blood loss requiring rapid transfusion of large amounts of blood products. It has been suggested that fresh, unrefrigerated whole blood provides a haemostatic advantage in this setting. The aim of the current study was to compare the clot formation parameters of fresh, unrefrigerated whole blood and whole blood reconstituted from components stored for varying periods of time, using rotational thromboelastography (ROTEM®). METHODS: Fresh whole blood and reconstituted whole blood using combinations of non-leucoreduced red cell units (stored for 7, 14, 21, 28, or 35 days), platelet concentrates (stored for 1, 3 or 5 days), and fresh frozen plasma (stored for 6 months) were analysed using ROTEM. Measurements of the clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), and maximal clot firmness (MCF) were compared between units of fresh whole blood and reconstituted whole blood samples. RESULTS: There was no difference in the haemostatic parameters measured of fresh whole blood and reconstituted whole blood using red cell units stored for less than 21 days. ROTEM demonstrated that the CT and CFT were significantly shorter for reconstituted whole blood samples using red cells stored for longer than 21 days when compared to fresh whole blood and to reconstituted whole blood samples using red cell units stored for less than 21 days. The CT was inversely correlated to the duration of platelet storage. The MCF was unchanged regardless of duration of blood product storage. CONCLUSION: Fresh unrefrigerated whole blood and blood products stored for short duration (less than 21 days) were not superior to those stored for longer durations.