Packed red blood cells

Packed red blood cells

Bag of packed red blood cells.
Clinical data
Other names	Stored packed red blood cells, packed cells, red cell concentrate, red cell component
Routes of administration	IV
ATC code	B05AX01 (WHO)
Identifiers
ChemSpider	none

Red blood cell concentrates, also known as red cell concentrates or packed red blood cells, are red blood cells that have been separated for blood transfusion.^[1] A red blood cell concentrate typically has a haematocrit of 0.50 – 0.70 L/L and a volume between 250 and 320 mL. Transfusion of red blood cell concentrates is indicated to compensate for a deficit caused by critical bleeding or to correct anaemic conditions, in order to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity and avoid detrimental effects caused by oxygen debt.^[2]

In adults, one unit brings up hemoglobin levels by about 10 g/L (1 g/dL).^[3][4] Repeated transfusions may be required in people receiving cancer chemotherapy or who have haemoglobin disorders. Cross-matching may be required before the blood is given.^[1] A red blood cell concentrate is given by injection into a vein.^[5] The widespread use of red blood cell concentrates as part of blood component therapy began in the middle of the 20th century, when polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blood bags were introduced as storage containers.^[6] Transfusion is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.^[7]

The widespread use of packed red blood cells began in the 1960s.^[8] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.^[9][10] A number of other versions also exist including whole blood, leukocyte reduced red blood cells, and washed red blood cells.^[11]