An experiment with glycerol-frozen bed 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 degreesC for up to 10 years. Materials and Methods: Red cells frozen with 40% W/V glycerol and stored at -80 degreesC for up to 37 years were thawed, deglycerolized, and stored at 4 degreesC 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 KC levels. Conclusions: Red cells frozen with 40% W/V glycerol can be stored at -80 degreesC for up to 37 years with acceptable in vitro results.