Cytofluorometry analysis of red blood cell suspension properties: results of a pilot study

A wide use of blood products inevitably leads to an increase in the number of complications associated with it. These complications include thromboembolic events that are considered to be rare and difficult-to-manage. Currently, the mechanisms and possible laboratory predictors of such complications are unclear. This paper presents our experience of using flow cytometry to assess the parameters of phosphatidylserine expression (detected by Annexin V binding) and describes impairments in the deformability of red blood cells (detected using forward and side scatter data) which determine the procoagulant properties of cells. According to our findings, the use of Annexin V for the assessment of gradual cell death in the samples of red blood cell (RBC) suspension is controversial. At the same time, our results show a higher sensitivity of the assessment of the accumulation of RBCs with an altered shape for the detection of programmed cell death - eryptosis. The obtained results can be used to improve the detection of dead RBCs during the routine storage of RBC suspension. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology of Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation.