Each unit of DRBCs:

DRBCs may be used in lieu of liquid-stored RBCs for all RBC transfusion requirements including massive transfusions. The Joint Trauma System (JTS) Performance Improvement Branch analyzed data from the DoD Trauma Registry (DoDTR) and Massive Transfusion database and found no statistically significant difference in outcomes or transfusion-related complications between patients who received at least 1 unit of DRBCs as part of their massive transfusion and those who received only liquid-stored RBCs (See Appendix A).  A single center prospective randomized trial comparing DRBCs to liquid-stored RBCs in stable trauma patients revealed decreased cytokines and D-dimer levels and increased tissue oxygenation measured by near infrared spectroscopy in patients transfused DRBCs. There were no differences in clinical outcomes. 2,4