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Cryopreservation of Red Blood Cells

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Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1257))

Abstract

Cryopreservation of red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) is an important method for maintaining an inventory of rare RBC units and managing special transfusion circumstances. The permeating additive glycerol is used as a cryoprotectant to protect RBCs against freezing damage. The use of thawed RBCs was hampered a 24-h outdating period due to potential bacterial contamination when a functionally open system was used for addition and removal of the glycerol. With the introduction of a functionally closed system for the glycerolization and deglycerolization of RBC units, extended post-thaw storage became possible. Here, we describe the cryopreservation of red blood cells according to the high-glycerol method, using a functionally closed processing system.

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Acknowledgement

The author wishes to thank Dr. Femke Noorman, Military Blood Bank, the Netherlands, for sharing knowledge, providing information, and reviewing this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research, Sanquin Blood Supply, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Johan W. Lagerberg Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Johan W. Lagerberg Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Johan W. Lagerberg Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Multiphase Processes, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Hannover, Germany

    Willem F. Wolkers

  2. Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany

    Harriëtte Oldenhof

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Lagerberg, J.W. (2015). Cryopreservation of Red Blood Cells. In: Wolkers, W., Oldenhof, H. (eds) Cryopreservation and Freeze-Drying Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1257. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2193-5_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2193-5_17

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-2192-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-2193-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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