What is the primary purpose of adding glycerol to frozen blood cells?

The primary purpose of adding glycerol to frozen blood cells is to protect cells during freezing. Glycerol acts as a cryoprotectant, which means it helps to prevent the formation of ice crystals within the cells during the freezing process. Ice crystals can cause significant damage to the cell structure, leading to cell lysis and loss of functional integrity once thawed. By adding glycerol, the risk of ice crystal formation is minimized, thereby preserving the viability and functionality of the blood cells when they are thawed for later use.

This focus on cellular integrity makes glycerol essential for the successful long-term preservation of blood components, particularly for applications such as transfusions or stem cell storage where cell viability is crucial.