Optimizing rejuvenation to improve the product quality of pathogen-inactivation and γ-irradiated red cell concentrates

Donated blood is split into three components by Canadian Blood Services; red blood cells (RBC); platelets; and plasma. RBC may be refrigerated for up to 42 days before transfusion. During this time the RBC undergo changes to their biology and shape. Clinical trials have shown that older RBC are safe to transfuse. It is not known if older RBC work as well after transfusion as fresher RBC. Shape and biological changes are also seen when RBC are further treated. Further treatments include γ-irradiation or pathogen inactivation. The first one makes RBC safe to use in persons whose immune systems are suppressed. The second one is an experimental technology that could sterilize donated blood and destroy any germs present in the donation. γ-irradiation and pathogen inactivation make the storage changes in RBC worse. The team of investigators has worked on this problem before. Now, they propose to test a new approach called rejuvenation. Rejuvenation involves feeding RBC chemical building blocks that reverse some of the storage damage or the damage done by further treatments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has approved a rejuvenation product called Rejuvesol. However, the American product has only been tested on RBC produced using American methods. In Canada we use different manufacturing methods and additives (e.g. one called SAG-M). The researchers will compare rejuvenation of refrigerated or warm RBC for different times. Refrigerated rejuvenation would be simpler for Canadian blood banks to use. They will then use the best refrigerated rejuvenation conditions to see if this procedure can improve the quality of RBC treated with γ-irradiation or pathogen inactivation. They will employ a variety of biochemical tests of RBC function and characteristics. The results of the research could show Canadian Blood Services the best way to rejuvenate RBC products and how to use rejuvenation of RBC to overcome the damage caused by γ-irradiation or pathogen inactivation. The research could lead to changes in how Canadian Blood Services manufactures RBC for the treatment of Canadian patients. These changes could improve the supply of rare blood type products by extending their shelf life. They could also make it easier to provide γ-irradiated or pathogen-reduced RBC to Canadian patients by extending their useful shelf life.

SHEFFIELD, William

Canadian Blood Services

Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program

Ontario

$30,000