Extracellular Vesicles in Red Blood Cell Concentrates: An Overview

Transfus Med Rev. 2019 Apr;33(2):125-130. doi: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2019.02.002. Epub 2019 Feb 23.

Abstract

Red blood cell (RBC) concentrates may be stored for up to 42 days before transfusion to a patient. During storage extracellular vesicles (EVs) develop and can be detected in significant amounts in RBC concentrates. The concentration of EVs is affected by component preparation methods, storage solutions, and inter-donor variation. Laboratory investigations have focused on the effect of EVs on in vitro assays of thrombin generation and immune responses. Assays for EVs in RBC concentrates are not standardized. The aims of this review are to describe the factors that determine the presence of erythrocyte-EVs in RBC concentrates, the current techniques used to characterize them, and the potential role of EV analysis as a quality control maker for RBC storage.

Keywords: Blood transfusions; Extracellular vesicles; Microparticles; Red blood cell concentrate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Preservation / methods*
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Erythrocytes / cytology*
  • Extracellular Vesicles*
  • Humans
  • Quality Control
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Thrombin / metabolism

Substances

  • Thrombin