Frozen erythrocytes can be stored for up to how many years?

Frozen erythrocytes can be stored for up to how many years?

• A. 1 year
• B. 3 years
• C. 5 years
• D. 10 years

Answer: (D)

Freezing red blood cells with a cryoprotectant and storing them at very low temperatures stops all metabolic activity and prevents ice-damage, allowing long-term preservation. When properly processed, frozen erythrocytes can be stored for up to 10 years. Before transfusion, the units are thawed and deglycerolized to remove the cryoprotectant. This approach is used for rare blood types or when long-term inventory is needed, and it contrasts with standard refrigerated storage of regular red cells, which lasts only weeks.

Freezing red blood cells with a cryoprotectant and storing them at very low temperatures stops all metabolic activity and prevents ice-damage, allowing long-term preservation. When properly processed, frozen erythrocytes can be stored for up to 10 years. Before transfusion, the units are thawed and deglycerolized to remove the cryoprotectant. This approach is used for rare blood types or when long-term inventory is needed, and it contrasts with standard refrigerated storage of regular red cells, which lasts only weeks.