Viral hepatitis has not been reported following transfusion with frozen blood. Seven such samples from donors positive for Australia (Au/SH) antigen were studied. After thawing, Au/SH antigen was found in five of seven discarded wash solutions and in only one of the seven supernatant reconstituting saline solutions which form part of the transfused product. The positive sample came from a patient who had the highest titer of Au/SH antigen in his serum. The freeze-thaw processing appears to dilute out serum hepatitis and the associated Au/SH antigen, so that overt hepatitis does not follow administration of frozen blood.
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Jochewed Werch (1971) studied this question.
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