Temperature Management of Red Blood Cell Solution Transported by Car for Transfusion at Home

Objective: In Japan, red blood cell (RBC) solution is usually transported by car from a medical institution to the patient’s house for home transfusion. However, there are no regulations for transporting blood by car in the medical setting. Therefore, we assessed and compared the methods (containers) used for transporting the RBC solution by car. Materials and Methods: Irradiated RBC solution samples (280 mL) supplied by the Japan Red Cross Society were each divided into two bags. The quality of blood transported by car (1 - 2 hours) in an active transport refrigerator (ATR) (control group) was compared with that transported in a cooler, or styrofoam box (study group). We tested the hemolytic effects of transportation by car, storage, and filtration through a transfusion set on the lactate dehydrogenase (LD) levels in the RBC solutions. Results: Post-filtered LD levels were significantly higher in the RBC solutions transported in a cooler-box with inadequate temperature control when compared to those transported in an ATR with optimal temperature control. However, under conditions of optimal temperature control, the post-filtered LD levels were comparable in the control and study (both cooler and styrofoam boxes) group RBC solutions. Conclusion: Temperature management is critical for the maintenance of the quality of the RBC solution transported by car.