Frozen and Deglycerolized Red Blood Cells
Expert Field Medical Badge Written Test
Study Guide 2023
Deglycerolized Red Blood Cells are derived from _____ ml of whole blood collected in
Citrate/Phosphate/Dextrose or Citrate/Phosphate/Dextrose/Adenine collection bags. -
ANSWERS-450-500 mL
Red Blood Cells are stored up to 6 days at 1 -6•C before being frozen in a
cryoprotectant (40% w/v glycerol), and stored in the frozen state at minus 65• C or
colder for up to ______. - ANSWERS-10 years
T/F: Each unit of deglycerolized red blood cells (DRBCs) should be considered
equivalent to a fresh unit of RBCs since they are frozen within 6 days of collection and
have a 14-day shelf-life upon deglycerolization. - ANSWERS-TRUE
What are the clinical indications for use of each unit of Deglycerolized red blood cells
(DRBCs) ? - ANSWERS-Each unit of DRBCs:
1. Should be considered equivalent to a fresh unit of RBCs since they are frozen w/in 6
days of collection and should have a 14-days shelf-life upon deglyceroliztion.
2. Contains more than 80% of the RBCs present in the original unit of blood.
3. Provides the same physiologic benefit as liquid RBCs
4. Carries the same expectation for post-transfusion survival as liquid-stored RBCs.
5. Contains significantly lower concentrations of proteins associated with non-hemolytic
transfusion reactions.
6. The primary indication for use of frozen and deglycerolized RBCs is a supplement to
liquid RBCs during the surge periods of increased transfusion requirements in order to
decrease casualty hemorrhagic morbidity and mortality.
How long does it take to thaw frozen red blood cells in a plasma thawer? - ANSWERS-
35 minutes
How long does it take to thaw frozen red blood cells in a 42• C water bath? -
ANSWERS-45 minutes
Expert Field Medical Badge Written Test
Study Guide 2023
Deglycerolized Red Blood Cells are derived from _____ ml of whole blood collected in
Citrate/Phosphate/Dextrose or Citrate/Phosphate/Dextrose/Adenine collection bags. -
ANSWERS-450-500 mL
Red Blood Cells are stored up to 6 days at 1 -6•C before being frozen in a
cryoprotectant (40% w/v glycerol), and stored in the frozen state at minus 65• C or
colder for up to ______. - ANSWERS-10 years
T/F: Each unit of deglycerolized red blood cells (DRBCs) should be considered
equivalent to a fresh unit of RBCs since they are frozen within 6 days of collection and
have a 14-day shelf-life upon deglycerolization. - ANSWERS-TRUE
What are the clinical indications for use of each unit of Deglycerolized red blood cells
(DRBCs) ? - ANSWERS-Each unit of DRBCs:
1. Should be considered equivalent to a fresh unit of RBCs since they are frozen w/in 6
days of collection and should have a 14-days shelf-life upon deglyceroliztion.
2. Contains more than 80% of the RBCs present in the original unit of blood.
3. Provides the same physiologic benefit as liquid RBCs
4. Carries the same expectation for post-transfusion survival as liquid-stored RBCs.
5. Contains significantly lower concentrations of proteins associated with non-hemolytic
transfusion reactions.
6. The primary indication for use of frozen and deglycerolized RBCs is a supplement to
liquid RBCs during the surge periods of increased transfusion requirements in order to
decrease casualty hemorrhagic morbidity and mortality.
How long does it take to thaw frozen red blood cells in a plasma thawer? - ANSWERS-
35 minutes
How long does it take to thaw frozen red blood cells in a 42• C water bath? -
ANSWERS-45 minutes
