Non-Destructive Testing of Stored Red Blood Cell Transfusion Units Using ARFI Ultrasound

Red blood cells (RBCs) undergo morphologic changes and increased stiffening during storage, and by FDA mandate expire after 42 days of storage time when preserved with Adsol. We examined whether RBC changes can be monitored non-invasively using ARFI ultrasound to induce and track displacement within the bag. A contact-free approach to monitoring mechanical properties of stored blood is novel since existing rheometric tests require opening the bag and violating its sterility. When examined over time (minimum 3 weeks up to maximum 11 weeks), we observed that displacement within RBC bags after an ARF excitation decreased, likely because of increased viscosity or elasticity of the medium. These characteristics may be correlated with the RBC storage lesions and diminished viability for transfusion, and may predict patient outcomes.