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Frozen-thawed red cells--standard article for hospital use?
Folia Haematologica (Leipzig, Germany : 1928)
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Glycerol-protected red blood cells can be frozen for long-term storage, overcoming current shelf-life limits. This method offers significant advantages, including reduced hepatitis transmission and immunization risks, outweighing initial preparation costs for better transfusion practices.
Area of Science:
- Blood banking and transfusion medicine.
- Cryopreservation of biological materials.
Background:
- Current red blood cell storage is limited to 20-40 days.
- Limitations necessitate frequent blood supply management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and benefits of long-term red blood cell storage using cryopreservation.
- To assess the cost-effectiveness and clinical advantages of frozen-thawed red blood cells.
Main Methods:
- Glycerol cryoprotection of red blood cells.
- Storage of frozen red blood cells.
- Thawing and washing procedures for transfusion preparation.
Main Results:
- Cryopreservation with glycerol extends red blood cell shelf-life indefinitely.
- Frozen-thawed red blood cells reduce hepatitis transmission risk.
- Reduced immunization against leukocytes and thrombocytes observed.
Conclusions:
- Long-term storage of red blood cells via freezing is a viable and advantageous alternative.
- Decentralized storage in hospitals after distribution from central banks can improve accessibility.
- Benefits of extended shelf-life and reduced transfusion reactions justify the preparation costs.