What is the most commonly used cryoprotective agent for red blood cells in blood banking?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

Glycerol is recognized as the most commonly used cryoprotective agent for red blood cells in blood banking because of its effective properties in preventing ice crystal formation during the freezing process. When red blood cells are frozen, ice crystals can damage their cellular structure and cause significant hemolysis. Glycerol functions by penetrating the cell membranes and stabilizing the cells, allowing for their viability and function to be preserved once they are thawed.

Its low toxicity to human cells and compatibility with the blood components make glycerol a preferred choice in clinical settings. Furthermore, it can be easily removed after thawing, facilitating safe transfusion practices.

Other agents such as dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol are also utilized as cryoprotectants but are less common for red blood cell preservation in blood banks due to various factors, such as toxicity levels and efficacy in protecting the cellular integrity of erythrocytes during the freezing and thawing processes. Glycerol’s balance of effectiveness and safety makes it the primary agent in this application.

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