Hematological changes in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) whole blood stored in CPDA-1 or CPD/SAG-M plastic bags

The present study aimed to evaluate the hematology of buffalo blood stored in plastic bags containing either CPDA-1 or CPD/SAG-M. Ten healthy adult male buffaloes were used. In total, 900 g of blood was collected from each specimen, 450 g of which was packed in a bag containing CPDA-1; the other 450 g was packed in a bag containing CPD/SAG-M. The bags were then stored at 2°C to 6°C for 42 days. The blood samples were evaluated 7 times during this period: day 0 (D0; immediately after collection), D7 (7 days after collection), D14 (14 days after collection), D21 (21 day after collection), D28 (28 days after collection), D35 (35 days after collection) and D42 (42 days after collection). At each time point, the following hematological parameters were analyzed: globular volume, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, degree of hemolysis, number of leukocytes, and plasma hemoglobin. During storage, the number of red blood cells and leukocytes decreased, whereas plasma hemoglobin values and mean corpuscular volume increased (P<0.05). Buffalo whole blood packed in bags containing either CPDA-1 or CPD/ SAG-M underwent hematological changes during storage; however, the blood remained viable for transfusion when stored for up to 42 days at 2 to 6oC. No clinically important differences were observed between CPDA-1 and CPD/SAG-M in terms of the conservation of total buffalo blood. Therefore, both types of bag were indicated for use in this species.