An Experiment with Glycerol-Frozen Red Blood Cells Stored at –80°C for up to 37 Years

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Red cells frozen using 40% W/V glycerol are currently FDA approved for frozen storage at -80 degrees C for up to 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Red cells frozen with 40% W/V glycerol and stored at -80 degrees C for up to 37 years were thawed, deglycerolized, and stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h. RESULTS: Red cells frozen for up to 37 years had mean freeze-thaw-wash recovery values of 75%, less than 1% hemolysis, and normal ATP, 2,3-DPG and P50 levels, and 60% of normal RBC K(+) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Red cells frozen with 40% W/V glycerol can be stored at -80 degrees C for up to 37 years with acceptable in vitro results.