Freezing in the Primary Polyvinylchloride Plastic Collection Bag: A New System for Preparing and Freezing Nonrejuvenated and Rejuvenated Red Blood Cells

Abstract

Red blood cells [human] were stored at 4.degree. C in the primary bag with an integrally attached empty transfer pack so that the red blood cells could be rejuvenated or not, as desired before glycerolization and freezing. The rejuvenation and glycerol solutions were added through ports in the system. After glycerolization the red blood cells were concentrated by centrifugation to remove the supernatant glycerol before freezing with 40% w/v glycerol in the primary polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic container in -80.degree. C. After thawing the red blood cells were washed using either the Haemoneitcs Blood Processor 115 or the IBM Blood Processor 2991-1 or 2991-2. In each system, 50 ml of 12% NaCl and 1.5-1.6 l of 0.9% NaCl 0.2% glucose-25 meq/l disodium phosphate were used. Recovery of red blood cells in vitro was 91%. After 3 days of postwash storage at 4.degree. C, nonrejuvenated red blood cells had a mean 24 h posttransfusion survival of 88%, indated-rejuvenated red blood cells a value of 90%, and outdated-rejuvenated red blood cells a value of 81%. This new system is simpler and safer than methods previously used in this laboratory, and red blood cell recovery and 24 h posttransfusion survivals were comparable or better.