ABSTRACT
Aims:To measure free hemoglobin percentage in stored packed red blood cells units by colorimetric method.Study Design:This is a descriptive, hospital based case study.Place and Duration of Study:Khartoum central blood bank during the period from June to September 2021.Methodology:A total of thirty-six packed red blood cells blood bags with Citrate-Phosphate-Dextrose-Adenine-one (CPDA-1) stored at 2-6°C for 35 days were withdrawn aseptically on days one; 14, and day 35. Free hemoglobin concentration was measured with Drabkin's method through digital photoelectric colorimeter in which the percentage of hemolysis was calculated, and PH values were measured by a PH meter (ADWA). Mean and standard deviation ofeach day were calculated by statistical package for social science (SPSS)computer program version 22.0.Results:The results showed statistically significant elevation in percentages of free plasma hemoglobin with prolongation of storage duration periods; day one compared with day 14 (P= 0.001), day one compared with day 35(P= 0.001) and day 14 compared with day 35 (P= 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between the degree of hemolysis in day 35 with PH values (P= 0.9).Conclusion:This study concluded that prolonged storage is associated with elevation of free plasma hemoglobin level indicative of progressive hemolysis.