EFFECTS OF HeNe LASER ON STORED BLOOD

Background: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the possibility of rejuvenating red blood cells (RBC) and prolonging their life using low-level laser radiation (LLLR). The possibility that blood could easily be collected and preserved for 21-42 days determined the authors’ attempt to answer such questions as: the minimum LLLR dose capable of influencing blood qualities without damaging effects, the optimum characteristics of the irradiating source and protocol of irradiation. Because of its complex composition, the physical and chemical properties of blood have not yet been entirely elucidated. Blood irradiation additionally involves a special physical agent, as well as mechanisms of action that are not clearly understood. Material and Methods: We irradiated blood stored in MacoPharma bags, from seven healthy adult donors. A HeNe laser (6 mW, continuous wave) was used as the source of irradiation. Twenty-four to 48 hours after irradiation blood samples underwent rheological and biochemical analyses in order to establish the morpho-functional status of the red blood cells. Results: Marked effects occurred in the case of effectively received doses of 0.4 and 1.2 J·cm-3, suggesting a beneficial action of LLLR on the morphologically functional erythrocytes. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that blood rejuvenation by the physical method of laser irradiation could be an efficient, simple and economic procedure, and that it needs to be tested on patients who require urgent transfusion. Because the irradiated blood demonstrated a better capacity than the non-irradiated blood, we concluded that LLLR had a revitalizing effect on preserved blood.