Abstract

Haematological derangements accompany breast cancer management particularly in our local setting
where such derangements appear to be common within the general population. Anaemia, leucopenia
and thrombocytosis arising from possible tumour-mediated immunosuppression and chemotherapeutic
interruption of normal haemopoiesis occur frequently among breast cancer patients. Depending on the
degree of reduction in cellular elements of blood, blood transfusion is often required to correct severe
situations. Thus, haematological changes in stored whole blood may influence the clinical outcome. A
prospective observational study was conducted on fresh whole blood collected in a CPDA1 blood bag
stored at 2-6 degree Celsius. Haematological parameters such as red cell count, haemoglobin
concentration, Pack cell volume, red cell viability, plasma percentage haemoloysis, total white cell count,
and platelet count were measured sequentially by standard methods on daily basis up to day 35. The
data were presented as figures. Red cell count, haemoglobin concentration, pack cell volume, red cell
viability, total white cell count, and platelet count decrease at varying degrees while percentage
haemoloysis increased progressively up to 35 days. There are varying reductions in the cellular
elements of whole blood stored up to 35 days, thus making stored blood less ideal for managing
conditions with profound blood cell depletion such as exists in breast cancer