Containers for freezing and storage of bone marrow stem cells

The authors describe a flat stainless steel container with two necks of the volume 160-180 ml, manufactured according to their own design as well as their first experience with controlled-rate freezing of leukocytes and/or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in this container. The containers meet the requirements of clinical application, i.e. they are made of non-toxic stainless steel, the inner and outer surfaces are polished electrochemically, sterilization by autoclaving is possible, several containers can be frozen simultaneously in a freezing chamber of a programmable freezer and storage of containers in both vapour and liquid phase of nitrogen is possible. Analysis of the cell volume distribution in suspensions of leukocytes and PBSC collected by hemapheresis showed high recovery of cells after thawing. The advantages and disadvantages of metal containers in comparison with disposable plastic bags are discussed in detail.