A high temperature-stable and highly purified α-α cross-linked tetrameric hemoglobin suitable for use in mammals without causing renal injury and vasoconstriction is provided. The dimeric form of hemoglobin is degenerated and purification processes are performed on red blood cells obtained from whole blood. Controlled hypotonic lysis in an instant cytolysis apparatus prevents the lysis of white blood cells. Nucleic acids from white blood cells and the phospholipids impurities are not detected. The blocking of reactive sulfhydryl groups in hemoglobin by a sulfhydryl reagent is performed in an oxygenated environment. Flowthrough column chromatography is used to remove different plasma protein impurities. N-acetyl cysteine is added to the α-α cross-linked tetrameric hemoglobin solution to maintain a low level of met-hemoglobin. The stabilized hemoglobin is preserved in an infusion bag with aluminum overwrap to prevent formation of inactive met-hemoglobin from oxygen intrusion. The product finds use in tissue oxygenation and cancer treatment.