[Prolonged storage at +4 degrees C of cryopreserved and thawed erythrocytes]

A new method of taking out of storage is offered for red cells cryopreserved in the presence of low-concentration glycerin (15-20%) in relatively low temperature (-38 +/- 2 degrees C) and in liquid nitrogen. The new approach implies washing of erythrocytes not immediately after thawing but just before the transfusion. The delay in thawed erythrocytes washing warrants their safety and functional capacity throughout 3-week storage at + 4 degrees C after cryopreservation at -38 +/- 2 degrees C and within 2 weeks after freezing in liquid nitrogen.