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.
