Assessing Haemoglobin Concentration and Red Cell Morphology in Stored Blood Units

Aims: This study assessed and compared the haemoglobin concentration and red cell morphological changes in stored blood units at the Tamale Teaching Hospital located in the Northern Region of Ghana.

Methods: This is experimental research conducted from November, 2019 to June, 2020. Thirty blood samples were collected (450ml) from voluntary donors at the blood bank unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital for this study. The samples were collected into blood bags that contained CPDA-1 preservative and stored at 2-6 for thirty-five days. The haemoglobin concentration and red cell morphology of the samples were assessed at collection and every seventh day (weekly) till the thirty fifth day using the URIT-15 hemoglobin meter and Leishman-stained thin films.

Results: Microscopic examination of Leishman-stained thin films indicated significant degenerative changes in red cell morphology as the storage duration increased. The red cell morphology showed changes from normocytic cells through to echinocytes, spheroechinocytes and spherocytes. ANOVA with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction revealed the mean of haemoglobin (Hb) values as statistically significant between storage days (day 0, 7,14, 21, 28 and 35) (F (3.264, 94.657) = 18.967, p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between storage days. There were statistically significant differences in haemoglobin concentrations between days 7 and 35 of storage, as well as days 21 and 35 and between days 28 and 35 [p < 0.05]. Precisely, at day 0 (12. 0633± 1.10812, M±SD) the haemoglobin concentrations were higher than the other storage days. Conclusion: There is gradual reduction in haemoglobin concentration as well as gradual significant degeneration in red cell morphology as storage age of blood increased. The study therefore recommends that, blood with less storage duration should be preferred for transfusion for best therapeutic improvement.