Abstract: A blood storage system comprising: a collection vessel for red blood cells; an oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage vessel for red blood cells; tubing connecting the collection vessel to the oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device and the oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device to the storage vessel; and a gamma or X-ray irradiating device is used to irradiate red blood cells stored in the vessel, storing red blood cells under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: A blood storage system. The system has a collection bag for red blood cells; an oxygen/carbon dioxide depletion device; a storage bag for red blood cells; and tubing connecting the collection bag to the depletion device and the depletion device to the storage bag. The depletion device includes a receptacle of a solid material having an inlet and an outlet adapted to receiving and expelling a flushing gas; a plurality of hollow fibers or gas-permeable films extending within the receptacle from an entrance to an exit thereof. The hollow fibers or gas-permeable films are adapted to receiving and conveying red blood cells.