Evaluating unintentional warming of glycerolized red cell concentrates

Cryopreserved red cell concentrates (RCCs) can be stored for transfusion for up to 30 years at temperatures below -65 °C. During storage RCCs may experience unintentional warming to temperatures above -65 °C but below 0 °C. During this type of warming event ice crystals can grow larger leading to cell damage if not controlled. However, glycerol, the chemical agent used to freeze red blood cells (RBCs), may provide protection by inhibiting ice crystals from expanding. Previous work has demonstrated that the concentration of glycerol impacts its ability to control ice however this effect has not been extensively studied in clinical blood products. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of unintentional warming events on RCCs by testing the product quality after glycerol is removed to determine if they meet regulatory standards. It will also demonstrate on a microscopic level what happens to ice crystals during these types of events giving us a look into what happens inside the storage bag. Results from this study will improve our understanding of the quality of RCCs that have been exposed to unintentional warming events and may result in changes to the storage and management of frozen blood components.

ACKER, Jason

Canadian Blood Services/University of Alberta

Blood Efficiency Accelerator Program

Alberta

$25,000