After blood collection, to prevent coagulation, sodium citrate is added during blood bank storage. The citrate ions react with calcium ions in the blood to form a stable soluble complex called calcium citrate, which is easily soluble in water but not easily dissociated, thereby inhibiting the coagulation process.
During transfusion, sodium citrate is metabolized in the patient’s liver into a large amount of HCO_3^-, leading to alkalosis.
Red blood cells stored for a long time metabolize a large amount of potassium, causing hyperkalemia?