The Preservation of Human Red Blood Cell Agglutinogens in Liquid Nitrogen: Study of a Technic Suitable for Routine Blood Banking

A simple method for the preservation of red blood cells in liquid nitrogen suitable for routine laboratory use is described. With this method, erythrocyte antigens retain their integrity for at least six months and, after thawing, remain active for at least two weeks in Alsever’s Solution. A panel of cells preserved in liquid nitrogen is as satisfactory as fresh cells in defining irregular antibodies encountered in patient sera. The advantages of this technic over other methods of red blood cell preservation is discussed.