Abstract: A substantially tetramer free hemoglobin solution and a method for producing a substantially tetramer free hemoglobin solution. The method includes polymerizing a solution of hemoglobin, treating the polymerized hemoglobin solution to partially degrade the polymer to tetramer and removing tetramer from the hemoglobin solution.

Abstract: A hemoglobin solution packaged in a flexible oxygen-impermeable container system. The container system includes a multi-layer film having at least a product contact layer, an oxygen and moisture barrier layer and an exterior layer. The flexible container system further includes an interface port for filling the flexible container with the hemoglobin solution and delivering the hemoglobin solution. The hemoglobin solution comprises a substantially stroma and tetramer free, cross linked, pyridoxylated hemoglobin solution including preservatives such as ascorbic acid, glycine and dextrose.