Resuspended red cells and plasma volume expander usage.

The storage and transfusion of red cells resuspended in an additive solution has resulted in a substantial decrease in the use of whole blood. In the Auckland transfusion region, 87% of red cells transfused are now in this new form. This has not resulted in a commensurate increase in the use of plasma volume expanders, total usage of which has remained relatively static. The improved availability of plasma for blood component production is an important side benefit of the procedure which has also gained satisfactory clinical acceptance. The routine use of whole blood is a wasteful and inefficient practice in modern hospital therapy.