JAMA · 1960 · 93 citations · 4 references
MedicineHematologySurgeryHemostasisLyophilizationTransfusion MedicineBlood PreservationBlood StorageBlood Transfusion ManagementCell CryopreservationRed Blood Cell TransfusionBlood Component StorageBlood Sample PreservationCryopreservation Of Blood ProductsFractionationGlycerol-based FreezingLong-term Blood Component PreservationPlasma Freezing
A practical method now exists for the long-term preservation of human blood. Red blood cells which have been glycerolized, frozen at —80C, and stored up to 44 months have been deglycerolized, reconstituted, and successfully given to patients. Over 1,014 units of frozen glycerolized blood have been administered to patients, with good clinical results and a low reaction rate. The Cohn fractionation method permits "tailoring" of the blood to fit the needs of the recipient. Frozen heparinized blood has been used as a priming fluid for extracorporeal circulation. Frozen plasma retains full heparin activity after storage for five months. The stockpiling of blood of rare types and banking by donors for future elective autotransfusions can now be done. The stockpiling of blood for use in the event of mass casualties must await engineering changes.
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