Microfluidic Device for Thawing Blood

Red blood cells stored for transfusion are rarely frozen because they take too long to thaw and separate the 40% glycerol which keeps it relatively fluid. Most blood banks only keep refrigerated red blood cells for six weeks; freezing could keep them for years. Researchers at Oregon State University, however, have developed a microfluidics process that thaws blood in minutes, while removing the glycerol in seconds.  MORE

Image Credit: MDTMag.com and OSU