U of L researchers seeking way to preserve blood

It’s called the “gift of life” – but donated blood is a fragile gift. It has to be refrigerated and can only be stored for about six weeks.

Two University of Louisville professors are working to change that by exploring a technique to basically freeze-dry blood. This could make it shelf-stable for months or years. It would be easier to keep blood on hand for transfusions in war zones, for example.

This project could help stabilize the world’s blood supply. In the meantime, it’s important to continue donating blood. The American Red Cross keeps a database of blood drives.

– Beverly Bartlett