The present invention includes compositions containing carboxymethylated cross-linked hemoglobin where the cysteine moiety of the hemoglobin includes thiol protecting group and where the hemoglobin is incapable of binding with the nitric oxide. Preferably, the hemoglobin is deoxygenated, endotoxin free, and stroma free. The present invention also includes method of preparation, process of preparation and the method of supplementing blood in mammals.