A
complex process of cellular injury underlies such irregularities
with banking and often manifests asRBChemolysis
within the unit, thus promoting increases in supernatant
potassium and free hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations.1
In addition, RBC-derived microparticles are formed as
a result of storage-induced blebbing, shedding, and
fragmentation.2Exposureof patients toplasmafreeHband
RBCmicroparticlesmaycontribute to adverse events associated
with transfusion.2-6 For example, plasma free Hb
concentrations in septic patients were reported to be an
independent predictor of mortality.7
There is growing enthusiasm for the prospect of
improving stored RBC quality and removing injurious
by-products of RBC storage by washing units before
transfusion.8-10 In a recent prospective clinical trial,