Freezing of blood. What happens to it?

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    Blood Freezing
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of freezing blood for spectroscopy, specifically Raman spectroscopy. Freezing causes ice crystals to form, which can damage blood cells, although this damage may not be visible until thawing. While the proteins and molecules in blood remain largely unchanged, the density of ice differs from that of liquid water. Clinical frozen blood typically includes glycerol to prevent cell rupture, ensuring it remains viable for patient use.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Raman spectroscopy techniques
  • Knowledge of blood composition and properties
  • Familiarity with the effects of freezing on biological samples
  • Experience with blood preservation methods, including the use of glycerol
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Raman spectroscopy and its application to biological samples
  • Investigate the impact of freezing on blood cell integrity and functionality
  • Explore methods for preserving blood samples for spectroscopy, including glycerol use
  • Learn about the differences between clinical frozen blood and donated whole blood processing
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for researchers and laboratory technicians involved in blood analysis, particularly those utilizing Raman spectroscopy, as well as medical professionals interested in blood preservation techniques.

evidenso
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Hey
I have to do some spectroscopy of whole blood. But I can only get freezed blood. Is freezed blood different from 20 degree blood. Any chemical differences? does freezing destroy elements of blood.

regards
MB
 
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Hi evidenso,

Blood consists of about 50% water, and the rest are blood cells. Freezing the water will cause ice crystals to form, which will subsequently kill the blood cells (kinda like ice shards popping balloons). However, this won't be apparent until you thaw the blood.

If you're doing spectroscopy, the actual proteins, blood cells and molecules probably won't change much, but ice does have slightly different density to water. What kind of spectroscopy are you doing?
 
jaseh86 said:
Hi evidenso,

Blood consists of about 50% water, and the rest are blood cells. Freezing the water will cause ice crystals to form, which will subsequently kill the blood cells (kinda like ice shards popping balloons). However, this won't be apparent until you thaw the blood.

If you're doing spectroscopy, the actual proteins, blood cells and molecules probably won't change much, but ice does have slightly different density to water. What kind of spectroscopy are you doing?

OK thanks.
I have to do Raman spectroscopy of the blood. By killing the bloodcells, does they only "pop"?, bacause i need the same (or almost the same) scattering conditions from them as in whole blood
 
Clinical frozen blood doesn't have burst blood cells - otherwise it wouldn't be much use to the patient, glycerol is added to stop this
But donated whole blood may still have been processed to remove white blood cells and plasma, also a few chemicals are added to stabilise it which might have an effect on your results.
 
jaseh86 said:
Hi evidenso,

Blood consists of about 50% water, and the rest are blood cells. Freezing the water will cause ice crystals to form, which will subsequently kill the blood cells (kinda like ice shards popping balloons). However, this won't be apparent until you thaw the blood.

If you're doing spectroscopy, the actual proteins, blood cells and molecules probably won't change much, but ice does have slightly different density to water. What kind of spectroscopy are you doing?

THANK YOU jaseh86
 

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