Effect of different resuspension media on the post-thaw characteristics of frozen blood.

Red blood cells frozen by the low-glycerol fast-freezing technique were thawed, deglycerolized and resuspended in various media. The use of ACD-saline for resuspension markedly reduced in vitro haemolysis such that the red cells could be transfused up to 5 d after thawing. At this time the cells contained satisfactory levels of potassium and organic phosphates, while bacterial contamination was negligible. For the past 4 years we have operated a small bank of previously frozen red blood cells which were thawed and resuspended in this way. Over 3500 units have been transfused after 1--5 d post-thaw storage without untoward effects.