Research points to effective methods of freezing avian red blood cells

Date:

June 4, 2015

Source:

Tufts University

Summary:

Birds, like people, can suffer from conditions where a blood transfusion is a necessary life-saving measure. But in many instances, unless an avian donor is readily available, accessing blood is impossible because of the challenges associated with storing the species' red blood cells. A substance called dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) shows promise as a potential cryopreservant for freezing avian blood, research shows.

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