OBJECTIVES –To study the changes associated with red cell storage and risk associated with blood transfusion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS – A total of 31 whole blood units with CPDA–1 as a preservative were studied for markers of storage lesion along with red cell indices on day 0, day 7, day 14 and day 28 of storage.

RESULT– Changes in the levels of total protein, sodium and potassium were statistically significant. There was a gradual reduction in glucose, albumin, and calcium concentration. The overall average daily potassium change of 0.41 mmol/l and sodium change of 0.33 mmol/l over the 28 days period was noticed.

CONCLUSION – During storage red cell undergoes several changes affecting survival and function. Clinical effect occurring due to storage lesion in transfused patient needs more studies to be undertaken to see the in vitro effect of red cell storage changes