Abstract: A new citrate-based anticoagulant for donor whole blood provides good platelet yield and cell morphology at a significantly reduced risk of donor paresthesia during apheresis procedures. The primary citrate anticoagulant compositions include a citric acid to total citrate ratio greater than about 30%. The anticoagulants are mixed with whole blood to provide an anticoagulated blood mixture which contains a citric acid concentration of greater than about 5.0 mM, a total citrate concentration of less than about 20 mM, and an initial blood pH of less than about 6.75. The platelet rich products including PRP and PC prepared from blood collected in accordance with the invention exhibit better platelet yields and better platelet morphology on storage.

Abstract: A solution for stabilizing red blood cells during storage contains, along with nutrients and other stabilizers, a safe and effective concentration of an inhibitor of a step of the glycolysis metabolic pathway which is subsequent to the step which forms 2,3-DPG. The inhibitor may be oxalic acid, sodium oxalate, potassium oxalate, or mixed salts thereof, for example.

Abstract: Blood platelet pH is maintained between 6.0 and 7.6 for up to at least five days in relatively low gas permeability containers, e.g., standard polyvinyl chloride containers, by exposing the container to an atmosphere having an oxygen content greater than about 21%.

Abstract: Blood-compatible, chlorine-free polymers such as a flexible, non-toxic, sterilizable polyester plastic formulation may contain from 5 to 70 percent by weight of a blood-extractable ester such as di-2-ethylhexylphthalate, to cause blood which is stored in contact with the polymer to exhibit a surprisingly low hemolysis rate when compared with corresponding polymers which are free of the plasticizer. Accordingly, blood bags, tubing and other medical blood-contacting devices may be advantageously made from these polymers.

Abstract: Blood-compatible, chlorine-free polymers such as a flexible, non-toxic, sterilizable polyester plastic formulation may contain from 5 to 70 percent by weight of a blood-extractable plasticizer such as di-2-ethylhexyladipate, to cause blood which is stored in contact with the polymer to exhibit a surprisingly low hemolysis rate when compared with corresponding polymers which are free of the plasticizer. Accordingly, blood bags, tubing and other medical blood-contacting devices may be advantageously made from these polymers.

Abstract: An aqueous red cell storage solution for packed cells which permits removal of essentially all plasma from a unit of blood, followed by reconstitution of the packed cells of the unit in preferably about 80 to 150 ml. of solution for improved cell viability on long term storage. The red cell storage solution contains adenine, glucose or fructose, sodium chloride, and mannitol.