Q: pRBC can be freezed and can be preserved for how many years?

Answer: pRBC which is frozen at -80ºC in 40% glycerol can be preserved for 10 years. It is found to be of extreme value for patients who have very rare type of blood group or if IgA negative donor cannot be found for patients with IgA deficiency. Only drawback of frozen pRBC is time needed to thaw and wash the product.


References: 

 1. Lecak J, Scott K, Young C, et al. Evaluation of red blood cells stored at -80 degrees C in excess of 10 years. Transfusion 2004; 44:1306. 

2. Fabricant L, Kiraly L, Wiles C, et al. Cryopreserved deglycerolized blood is safe and achieves superior tissue oxygenation compared with refrigerated red blood cells: a prospective randomized pilot study. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2013; 74:371.