Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of improving the recovery ratio of red blood cells in frozen-thawed red blood cells by adding an appropriate amount of xylitol during the washing process. Methods20 packs of 400mL red blood cells which were leukocyte-reduced and prepared within 6 days were selected. The plasma was removed after centrifuge and each pack was divided into 2 bags (100 ml each) as experimental group and control group. In the experimental group, xylitol with final concentration of 1.2%,0.2% was added into first washing solution (80 ml 9% NaCl) and second washing solution (200 ml 0.9% NaCl).The recovery ratio of red blood cells, residue level of glycerin and osmotic fragility in two groups were statisticaly analyzed. The key step of improving recovery ratio of red blood cells was sought by detecting the concentrate of free hemoglobin in washing process. ResultsThe recovery ratio of red blood cells was significantly higher in experimental group than that in control group（t=-10.222,P<0 .05） while the concentration of free hemoglobin after first washing was significantly lowered（t=24.496,P<0 .05）. No significant difference was seen in the residue of glycerin,osmotic fragility and free hemoglobin after additional washing（P> 0.05）. ConclusionThe key step of improving recovery ratio of frozen-thawed red blood cells was the first washing process.

Key words: Frozen, red, blood, cells, Xylitol, Washing, solution