Improved red blood cell storage using optional additive systems (OAS) containing adenine, glucose and ascorbate‐2‐phosphate

Red blood cells were treated with optional additive system (OAS) solutions to provide component‐specific metabolic enhancement for improved storage. Red blood cell viability, as monitored by ATP concentrations, was maintained by use of adenine and extra glucose. Red blood cell oxygen offloading characteristics were improved by maintenance of red blood cell 2,3‐DPG concentrations with ascorbate‐2‐ phosphate (AsP). The use of CPD‐collected red blood cells with an OAS containing adenine, glucose, and AsP, or CPD‐adenine collected red blood cells with an OAS containing AsP demonstrates the potential to store red blood cells at least 42 days and to maintain red blood cell 2,3‐DPG.