The use of frozen, thawed erythrocytes in blood banking: a report of 28 months' experience in a large transfusion service.

A program of component therapy using largely frozen erythrocytes was initiated at Cook County Hospital in July 1973. Use of the three existing washing systems for routine preparation of frozen erythrocytes has shown that there are differences in the levels of free hemoglobin, hematocrit, and residual glycerol in the washed products. Adenosine triphosphate, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, and extracellular potassium and sodium were found to be within acceptable limits. Some expired units were cultured and were found to be positive for Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium. The source of contamination has not been determined. Frozen blood, when available, has been given to all patients, regardless of age or clinical condition. The incidence of transfusion reactions has decreased from 0.57% prior to the inception of the component therapy program to 0.11% since that time. Two cases of possible posttransfusion hepatitis occurred in patients who had received non-frozen blood, and in three patients who received non-frozen erythrocytes and/or components as well as frozen blood. Although the goal of the program was the use of frozen erythrocytes exclusively, only 64% use was achieved, as sufficient quantities of blood for freezing were not available at all times.