A system using ion-exchange resins for the storage of whole blood was investigated. Blood was collected into CPD, thoroughly mixed and then divided into equal amounts. To one half of the split units, four grams of phosphate charged Amberlite IR-45 resin were added, while no additions were made to the other split units. Both aliquots were stored at 4 C, adhering to routine blood banking standards. The blood stored with the resin for up to 28 days maintained high levels of 2,3-DPG and adequate levels of ATP. This new resin system has several advantages over the present blood preservation technology. There is initial increase in pH that promotes greater glucose utilization. Inorganic phosphate is provided to maintain both ATP and 2,3-DPG levels. The resin buffers the blood and maintains a narrower pH range for red blood cell enzyme activity. The resin is totally inert, completely filterable and has the ability to adsorb bacteria from the suspending solution.

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Background: The accuracy of homocysteine (Hcy) results is currently compromised by the requirement to separate the plasma within 1 h of sample collection. We studied the effect of temperature on the stability of plasma Hcy over a 72-h time course in blood collected into evacuated tubes containing either EDTA alone or both EDTA and 3-deazaadenosine (3DA). Methods: We recruited 100 volunteers, including both diseased and healthy individuals with a range of baseline plasma Hcy values, from two centers. Blood samples were collected into tubes containing EDTA, and EDTA plus 3DA and stored at ambient temperature (20–25 °C) or refrigerated (2–8 °C). Aliquots of blood were centrifuged at various times up to 72 h, the plasma was removed, and Hcy was measured by HPLC. Results: Plasma Hcy measurement covering the sample collection and storage conditions during the whole time course was possible on samples from 59 of those recruited. One-way ANOVA for repeated measures within subjects revealed that only samples that were collected into tubes containing EDTA plus 3DA and stored refrigerated were stable over 72 h (P = 0.2761). Conclusions: A combination of 3DA and storage at 2–8 °C will allow collection of samples for plasma Hcy measurement outside of the hospital setting and wider population screening.

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