In vivo hemolysis of deglycerolized red blood cells.

Red blood cells can be stored frozen in the presence of glycerol, which displaces intracellular water. We describe two transfusions of Deglycerolized Red Blood Cells that resulted in intravascular hemolysis; in one case the clinical symptoms of a hemolytic reaction were present. The probable causes were inadequate deglycerolization and intravascular osmotic hemolysis.