The long-term objective of this research is the development of a closed, sterile, fully automated system for thawing and washing red blood cells that have been frozen with the polymeric cryoprotectant hydroxyethyl starch (hes). The only currently available method for freezing red cells utilizes glycerol at high concentration. Since glycerol penetrates red cells, removing it following thawing creates osmotic stresses that can hemolyse cells, several successive wash solutions of decreasing osmolality are necessary and more than 30 minutes of relatively skilled technician time are required. The hes system has the advantage that hes does not penetrate the red cells and can be rapidly removed using a single wash solution without producing osmostic stresses. A partical and efficient process, system, disposable set, and product prototype will be developed and tested. The sterile wash process and post-wash storage of red cells will be optimized for minimal hemolysis and a wash duration of under 10 minutes. Maximal post-wash storage will be achieved following established guidelines. In vitro tests will be performed involving blood experts and frozen blood military and commercial blood bank users. Preparations for regulatory submittals will be made. This system providezs red cells that can be stored indefinitely in the frozen state and rapidly thawed and washed for transfusion. A frozen red cell system with a less inexpensive, more rapid, fully automated reconstitution system is attractive for isolated locations and for uses such as the storage of autologous blood and rare blood types.
Keywords: Red Cells Frozen Hyroxy Ethyl Starch Thaw Wash