Changes in erythrocyte morphology and biochemical analytes in caprine blood products during 42 days of storage.

Caprine blood products stored up to 14 days appear viable, but in vivo transfusion outcome studies are needed.

This longitudinal experimental study evaluated the effects of 42-day refrigerated storage on caprine (goat) whole blood (WB) and packed red blood cells (pRBCs) to characterize storage lesion development. Blood was collected from 6 healthy goats and stored at 4–7°C in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine (WB) or citrate phosphate dextrose with Optisol additive solution (pRBCs). Weekly and biweekly assessments included PCV, osmotic fragility, glucose, lactate, CBC, biochemistry panels, and aerobic bacterial cultures. Key findings demonstrated progressive erythrocyte storage lesions in both products. Morphological changes in RBCs appeared by day 14, with increased hemolysis and leukocyte morphologic changes by day 28. Notably, PCV and osmotic fragility did not change significantly throughout the study period. Potassium concentrations rose substantially, reaching 15 mmol/L (WB) and 27 mmol/L (pRBCs) by day 14, and peaking at 43.8 mmol/L by day 42 in pRBCs—a clinically relevant concern for transfusion-associated hyperkalemia. Lactate exceeded 2 mmol/L by day 14 in both products, indicating progressive metabolic deterioration. No bacterial contamination was reported. The authors conclude that caprine blood products stored up to 14 days may represent an acceptable alternative when fresh blood is unavailable, but caution that in vivo studies are needed to determine clinical outcomes in transfusion recipients. This research provides foundational data for caprine blood banking and transfusion medicine protocols.

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