title: A method for the cryopreservation of red blood cells using hydroxyethyl starch as a cryoprotectant.
abstract: A simple, quick, inexpensive and long term method of cryopreserving human red cells using hydroxyethyl starch (HES) as a cryoprotectant is described. No sophisticated equipment or skilled labour is required. As HES is a plasma expander, it does not have to be removed prior to transfusion, thereby obviating the requirement for a washing stage. This allows 60 units/h to be prepared. As the microbiological integrity of the system is maintained, there is potential for prolonged storage post-thaw at 4 degrees C. Recoveries of 99% and 30 min saline stabilities in excess of 91% have been consistently achieved. P50O2 and 2,3DPG values are not significantly decreased.
authors.affiliation: Army Blood Supply Depot, Aldershot, Hants, U.K.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Parry
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Nash
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Bell
mesh_terms: D015925:Cryopreservation; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods*; D004912:Erythrocytes; D006801:Humans; D006895:Hydroxyethyl Starch Derivatives