The proper name of this product shall be Red Blood Cells. The product is defined as red blood cells remaining after separating plasma from human blood.

(a) Storage. Immediately after processing, the Red Blood Cells shall be placed in storage and maintained at a temperature between 1 and 6 °C.

(b) Inspection. The product shall be inspected immediately after separation of the plasma, periodically during storage, and at the time of issue. The product shall not be issued if there is any abnormality in color or physical appearance or if there is any indication of microbial contamination.

Establishments must determine the eligibility of donors of the source blood for Red Blood Cells in accordance with §§ 630.10 and 630.15 of this chapter.

(a) The source blood shall be collected as prescribed in § 640.4.

(b) Source blood may also be derived from Whole Blood manufactured in accordance with applicable provisions of this subchapter.

Blood from which Red Blood Cells are prepared shall be tested as prescribed in § 610.40 of this chapter and § 640.5 (b) and (c).

Segments collected in integral tubing shall meet the following standards:

(a) One or more segments shall be provided with each unit of Whole Blood or Red Blood Cells when issued or reissued.

(b) Before they are filled, all segments shall be marked or identified so as to relate them to the donor of that unit of red cells.

(c) All segments accompanying a unit of Red Blood Cells shall be filled at the time the blood is collected or at the time the final product is prepared.

(a) Separation. Within the timeframe specified in the directions for use for the blood collecting, processing, and storage system used, Red Blood Cells may be prepared either by centrifugation, done in a manner that will not tend to increase the temperature of the blood, or by normal undisturbed sedimentation. A portion of the plasma sufficient to insure optimal cell preservation shall be left with the red cells except when a cryoprotective substance or additive solution is added for prolonged storage.

(b) Sterile system. All surfaces that come in contact with the red cells shall be sterile and pyrogen-free.

(c) Final containers. Final containers used for Red Blood Cells shall be the original blood containers unless the method of processing requires a different container. The final container shall meet the requirements for blood containers prescribed in § 640.2(c). At the time of filing, if a different container is used, it shall be marked or identified by number or other symbol so as to relate it to the donor of that unit of red cells.

Red Blood Cells Frozen: A cryophylactic substance may be added to the Red Blood Cells for extended manufacturers' storage at −65 °C or colder, provided the manufacturer submits data considered by the Director, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, as adequately demonstrating through in vivo cell survival and other appropriate tests that the addition of the substance, the materials used and the processing methods results in a final product that meets the required standards of safety, purity, and potency for Red Blood Cells, and that the frozen product will maintain those properties for the prescribed dating period. Section 640.11 (a) and (b) do not apply while a cryophylactic substance is present.