Packed red cells stored beyond three weeks show reduced levels of which intracellular compound, producing a left shift of the oxygen dissociation curve immediately after transfusion?
- A Adenosine triphosphate
- B Reduced glutathione
- C 2,3-diphosphoglycerate ✓
- D Carbonic anhydrase
Correct answer: C. 2,3-diphosphoglycerate
Explanation
During storage, red cell 2,3-DPG falls progressively, so freshly transfused older blood temporarily delivers oxygen less avidly until 2,3-DPG is regenerated in vivo over 12 to 24 hours. ATP also declines during storage but its fall reflects cell viability rather than oxygen affinity, making option A the classic distractor. This storage lesion underlies interest in fresher blood for massive haemorrhage.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.