This component is obtained by removing most of the plasma after centrifuging whole blood collected into anticoagulant.
Red cells may be resuspended in other additives to prolong storage and are filtered to remove most leucocytes.
A red cell unit is divided into four packs of equal volume to create paediatric red cells. This is to reduce donor exposure for small paediatric transfusions and to minimise product wastage.
Washed red cells are prepared using a manual process that double washes leucodepleted red cells (<14 days old) with SAG-M (saline adenine mannitol glucose) solution to remove the majority of plasma proteins, antibodies and electrolytes. The washed red cells are then resuspended in SAG-M solution to preserve their shelf life.
Red cells must be stored at 2 to 6 ºC and have a variable shelf life.
Typical unit content and specifications
The typical unit content data is derived from Lifeblood process control testing. For each parameter, the mean value (± 1 SD) and specification is shown.
Unless otherwise specified data is for the period 1 January to 31 December 2020.*
Availability
Leucodepleted red cells are available in Group O, A, B and AB, and RhD positive and RhD negative groups.
Modifications
Red cells can be phenotyped, washed, CMV-seronegative, frozen and irradiated.