In vitro efficacy of frozen erythrocytes: implementation of new strategic blood stores to alleviate resource shortage (issue revisited)

Background/aim: Currently, the provision of blood products largely depends on walking blood banks and limited amounts of stored blood with short shelf lives. We aimed to compare the efficacy of erythrocyte concentrate (ECs) by pre- and postfreezing in vitro tests. Materials and methods: In our study, 10 ECs were glycerolized, frozen, thawed, and then deglycerolized using the Naval Blood Research Laboratory method. In addition to using the standard tests, ATP and 2,3-DPG levels and the viability of erythrocytes were also determined. Results: The prefreezing mean viability rates of erythrocytes changed from 89.7 ± 13.7% to 98.6 ± 1.8% after thawing and deglycerolization. Prefreezing and day 0 ATP levels (1.64 ± 0.15 μmol/g Hb and 1.81 ± 0.14 μmol/g Hb, respectively) were similar. The 2,3-DPG levels decreased from 18.09 ± 4.78 μmol/g Hb measured before the procedure to 10.41 ± 4.58 μmol/g Hb on day 0. The mean hemolysis rates and supernatant Hb levels changed from 0.21 ± 0.11% to 0.36 ± 0.12% and 1 ± 0.5 g/L to 1.5 ± 0.5 g/L, respectively. Conclusion: The test results showed the efficacy of the frozen-thawed ECs to be used in humans for a broad spectrum of clinical indications. As a part of a contingency plan, national frozen blood reserves need to be established.