What is a consequence of transfusing red blood cells with low 2,3 DPG levels?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

Transfusing red blood cells (RBCs) with low levels of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3 DPG) has significant implications for oxygen delivery in the body. 2,3 DPG is a metabolic byproduct present in red blood cells that plays a crucial role in regulating the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. When 2,3 DPG levels are low, hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen increases. This means that although oxygen is present in the blood, it is more tightly bound to hemoglobin and less likely to be released to tissues that require it.

When transfusions include red blood cells with low 2,3 DPG, the increased affinity for oxygen can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, which can result in tissue hypoxia. Therefore, the consequence of this condition is not an increase in cardiac output, as the body may not need to increase cardiac output if it cannot efficiently release oxygen to tissues.

The correct implications of low 2,3 DPG RBC transfusions reflect the physiological challenges of ensuring adequate oxygenation to tissues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining optimal 2,3 DPG levels during blood storage and transfusion processes. This highlights the complex relationship between red

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