Table 1

Characteristics of the storage lesion.

Storage Effect

Consequences

Changes to red cell structure and function

Cellular membrane changes

Erythrocytes change shape

Decreased survivability

Decreased 2,3-diphsophoglycerate

Increased oxygen affinity

Decreased oxygen delivery

Decreased adenosine triphosphate

Erythrocytes change shape

Increased cell fragility

Less resistance to oxidative stress

Changes in red cell storage medium

Accumulation of bioactive substances

(cytokines, histamines, lipids, enzymes)

Increased oxidative environment

Febrile transfusion reactions

Immunologic activation/suppression

Vandromme et al. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine 2009 17:35   doi:10.1186/1757-7241-17-35