In Vitro and In Vivo Comparison of Hemoglobin and Electrolytes Following the Collection of Cell Saver Blood Washed with Either Normal Saline or Plasma-Lyte A

• Published in: The Journal of extra-corporeal technology Vol. 53; no. 3; pp. 214 - 219
• Main Authors: Cholette, Jill M, McRae, Hannah L, Angona, Ron, Cahill, Christine, Swartz, Michael F, Alfieris, George M, Refaai, Majed A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2021
• Subjects: Electrolytes; Erythrocytes - chemistry; Hemoglobins - analysis; Humans; Infant; Saline Solution; cardiopulmonary bypass; renal function; cell saver; hemoglobin; hemolysis
• ISSN: 0022-1058; 2969-8960
• DOI: 10.1051/ject/202153214

Cell saver blood is typically washed with normal saline (NS); however, recent studies have reported decreased red blood cell hemolysis and increased platelet function when a more physiologic washing solution, such as Plasma-Lyte A (PL-A) is used. We evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effects of NS compared to PL-A as washing solutions for cell saver blood in pediatric cardiac surgery. Cell saver blood was re-infused for up to 24 hours post-collection. Laboratory and clinical data were collected from infants receiving cell saver washed with either NS ( = 20) or PL-A ( = 21). Compositions of the cell saver blood were compared between groups at 5 in vitro time points and in vivo patient blood at 24 hours post-bypass. Although there were differences in in vitro laboratory values between groups; 24 hours post-bypass, in vivo results were similar. Our data supports 24-hour reinfusion of cell saver washed with either NS versus PL-A in pediatric cardiac surgery patients, and provides data on the differences in cell saver composition to guide future studies.