Oxygen Capacity of Stored Frozen Blood. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. Blood diluted to increased volume of approximately 40%, has been rapidly frozen and stored for one year, in liquid nitrogen. 2. Periodic examination of serial samples showed a gradual loss of O₂ capacity of 2.5%, of which 0.5% represented conversion to methemoglobin. 3. As a result of freezing and thawing, an immediate hemolysis of 5-6% took place, which was slowly approximately doubled during the year. 4. Accumulation of potassium in plasma as a result of escape from intact cells and liberation from hemolyzed erythrocytes was apparently arrested or nullified by reversed migration of K ions to the cells.