Evaluation of Dried Storage of Platelets and RBC for Transfusion: Lyophilizationand other Dehydration Techniques

摘要

This project was put forth to meet the needs expressed by the Naval MedicalResearch and Development Command for long-term dried storage of human blood cells for transfusion support of combat casualty care. Our main focus was on preparation of platelets for successful dehydration, storage, and rehydration without substantial compromise of hemostatic function. The primary technology was developed as an extension of a pre-existing protocol for drying fixed platelets as a diagnostic product, but many alternative approaches were also tried on an empirical basis. None of these methods had been previously applied to the development of a transfusion product.