A Study of Hemolysis in blood transfusion using a Coil Planet Centrifuge (CPC) Method

Hemolysis in blood transfusion was studied in three different methods of transfusion. The evaluation of hemolysis was performed at the value of serum hemoglobin (Hb) level and the degree of membrane fragility of red blood cells. The membrane fragility of red cells was examined using a Coil Planet Centrifuge (CPC) method (osmolar resistance technique). A rapid blood transfusion with a high delivery pressure brought about an increase of serum Hb level, however no effects on the membrane fragility of red cells were seen. In the multiple blood transfusion (pack to pack blood mixture), hardly any changes on the membrane fragility of red cells were noted, but the serum Hb level had a tendency to increase. After the transfusion with a CELL SAVER device, the value of serum Hb level decreased, however the degree of membrane fragility of red cells increased. Thus it was suggested that the CELL SAVER device for blood transfusion caused some damage to the membrane of red cells. In conclusion, it is necessary to examine not only the value of serum Hb level, but also the degree of membrane fragility of red cells using a CPC method in case of suspected hemolysis in blood transfusion.