X‐ and gamma‐irradiation have similar effects on the in vitro quality of stored red cell components.

Background: Blood components are irradiated to inactivate lymphocytes to prevent transfusion‐associated graft versus host disease. As there are little data regarding the effects of X‐irradiation on red blood cell components (RBCs), the in vitro quality of stored red cells (standard, pediatric, washed, and intra‐uterine transfusion [IUT]) following X‐ or gamma‐irradiation was compared. Study design and methods: RBCs were pooled, split, and processed to produce standard (<14 days and < 5 days post‐collection), pediatric (<5 days post‐collection), washed (<14 days post‐collection), or IUT RBCs (<5 days post‐collection). Standard RBCs were either X‐ or gamma‐irradiated (n = 10 pairs). A further 10 replicates were prepared by pooling and splitting three matched RBCs (X‐, gamma‐, and non‐irradiated). All other RBCs were either X‐ or gamma‐irradiated (n = 20 pairs). Red cell indices, hemolysis, potassium release, metabolism, microparticles, ATP, and 2,3‐DPG were measured pre‐irradiation and 6 h, 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days post‐irradiation, depending on the component type. Data were analyzed using two‐way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences in any in vitro quality measurements, with the exception of marginally higher potassium release in washed, IUT, and RBCs <5 days old (p <.0001) following X‐irradiation. Both irradiation types increased generation of microvesicles, particularly in components that were older at the time of irradiation or stored for longer post‐irradiation. Conclusion: X‐ and gamma‐irradiation have similar effects on the in vitro quality of RBCs, indicating that either technology is suitable for blood component irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]