ABSTRACT
The effect of delaying blood processing for six hours while maintaining it at ambient temperature was investigated. Blood drawn from volunteers on two occasions was processed immediately (I) or after a six-hour delay (D). The effects of the delay on the efficacy and safety of red blood cells, platelet concentrates and cryoprecipitable AHF were studied. There was a more rapid decrease in 2,3-DPG in the delayed group during 21 days of refrigerated storage. ATP levels declined at similar rates. 24-hour survival of 51CR-labeled autologous cells was slightly better (p = .05) in the (I) group but excellent for both. Total platelets, per cent recovery and pH at 72 hours were identical for both groups. All cultures were sterile. There was no difference in total AHF recovered or per cent recovery between the two groups. To increase the availability of blood components, a six-hour processing delay seems warranted.
Subject(s)
Blood Platelets , Blood Preservation , Cryoglobulins , Erythrocytes , Factor VIII , Chemical Precipitation , Diphosphoglyceric Acids , Humans , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A review of the normal hemostatic mechanism is presented. The controversy surrounding the complicated nomenclature for the coagulation system is discussed as well as the complex chain reaction or multiplier effect involving the extrinsic and intrinsic systems. Attention is also given to the role of thrombin and the role of the liver in the clotting mechanisms.
