Session: IMECE Undergraduate Research and Design Exposition

Paper Number: 113845

113845 - Fresh Whole Blood Transfusion in Austere Environments – Effect of High Altitude 

A walking blood bank refers to the ability to collect and dispense blood to soldiers on the battlefield. With that, the blood is no longer stored and transported to the site of the wounded. When the transfusions are administered on-site, mortality rates are reduced by twenty to thirty percent [1]. The delayed delivery of whole blood to a wounded soldier increases mortality risk by five percent every minute [1].  These statistics point out the importance of immediate delivery of blood and the proper functioning of blood transfusion kits. However, in a recent unrelated study conducted in low temperature, high altitude conditions, researchers at the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) noted that existing field-grade fresh whole-blood transfusion kit experiences several issues such as equipment breakage, freezing of components, and reduction in flow rates through the tubing. To address the issues noted, a research study at the United States Military Academy focuses on understanding the underlying physics behind these issues in austere environments to develop a design that improves the transfusion kit to ensure soldiers in the field receive quick and life-saving treatment. As part of that study, this work specifically focuses on the effects of high altitude on blood flow through the transfusion kit.

Previous studies indicate the effects of high altitude on blood physiology. At high altitudes, there is a decrease in barometric pressure and oxygen levels. The change in oxygen and pressure levels will cause the body to create more red blood cells to offset the lower oxygen levels which in turn causes an increase in the viscosity of the blood [2]. When looking at a more specific component of the blood, red blood cells, the actual blood cell shape reveals a change in high altitudes. It becomes swollen and resembles a spherical shape. The change in the shape and the amount of red blood cells could potentially affect the performance of the blood transfusion kit by decreasing the flow rate and/or generating other complications. This research study will develop an experimental facility to investigate the flow rate of the fluid through the transfusion kit when operated at high altitude conditions.  To simulate the change in blood physiology, experiments will be performed with various fluid viscosity ranges in an environmental chamber.

 

References

1.      Meyer, D. E., Vincent, L. E., Fox, E. E., OʼKeeffe, T., Inaba, K., Bulger, E., Holcomb, J. B., and Cotton, B. A. (2017). “Every minute counts: time to delivery of initial massive transfusion cooler and its impact on mortality”. The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 83(1), 19–24.

2.      Buschman, H. (2016). “Andeans with altitude sickness produce massive amounts of red blood cells”. UC Health - UC San Diego. https://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/pages/2016-11-07-andeans-with-altitude-sickness-produce-excessive-red-blood-cells.aspx 

Presenting Author: Andrea Riddle U.S. Military Academy

Presenting Author Biography: Andrea Riddle is a second-year student at the United States Military Academy where she is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In her studies, Andrea is focusing on biomechanics and fluids while also furthering her knowledge in viscosity and transfusion of blood. Her interest in biomechanics stems from her goal of furthering development in prosthetics and overall improving people’s quality of life. After graduating from the Academy with an undergraduate degree and commissioning into the US Army, she intends to apply to graduate school to further her knowledge of biomechanics and help improve the field.

Authors:

Andrea Riddle U.S. Military Academy
Drew Homan U.S. Military Academy
Ludvig Emerick U.S. Military Academy
Emine Foust U.S. Military Academy
Andrew Banko U.S. Military Academy
Rakesh Dubey U.S. Military Academy