Measurement of Free Hemoglobin Percentage in Stored Packed Red Blood Cells Units by Colorimetric Method

Aims: To measure free hemoglobin percentage in stored packed red blood cells units by colorimetric method.

Study Design: This is a descriptive, hospital based case study.

Place and Duration of Study: Khartoum central blood bank during the period from June to September 2021.

Methodology: A total of thirty-six packed red blood cells blood bags with Citrate-Phosphate-Dextrose-Adenine-one (CPDA-1) stored at 2-6°C for 35 days were withdrawn aseptically on days one; 14, and day 35. Free hemoglobin concentration was measured with Drabkin's method through digital photoelectric colorimeter in which the percentage of hemolysis was calculated, and PH values were measured by a PH meter (ADWA). Mean and standard deviation of each day were calculated by statistical package for social science (SPSS) computer program version 22.0.

Results: The results showed statistically significant elevation in percentages of free plasma hemoglobin with prolongation of storage duration periods; day one compared with day 14 (P = 0.001), day one compared with day 35 (P = 0.001) and day 14 compared with day 35 (P = 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between the degree of hemolysis in day 35 with PH values (P = 0.9).

Conclusion: This study concluded that prolonged storage is associated with elevation of free plasma hemoglobin level indicative of progressive hemolysis.