Storage Lifecycle of Donated Blood: A Comprehensive Guide

Donated blood is a precious resource that requires careful management. Understanding the storage lifecycle of blood components is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment for recipients. This article delves into the various aspects of blood storage, from initial donation to the point of use.

What Happens to Donated Blood

After a patient donates blood, it undergoes a series of processes including testing, separating into components, and storage. The duration of storage varies depending on the type of blood product.

Whole Blood and Red Cells

Whole blood is typically stored at 6 degrees Celsius in a preservative anticoagulant solution. Under these conditions, it can be stored for 42 days. However, if whole blood is filtered using a special platelet-sparing filter, the storage period is reduced to 21 days.

Other Blood Components

Plasma, the liquid component of blood, is stored frozen and can be kept for a year at typical storage temperatures. Platelets, the smallest blood cells, have a much shorter shelf life and are usually stored at room temperature for only 5 to 7 days, making them susceptible to shortages during holidays and special treatments.

Freezing Blood

Blood can also be frozen, but this is not a common practice. Blood suitable for freezing is typically from patients with antibodies to common antigens, such as those with sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, or who have frequent transfusions and have developed antibodies to specific minor Rh antigens like Duffy, MNSU, and the Bombay AB blood group. When frozen, blood can last almost indefinitely at -70°F, but once thawed, it needs to be used immediately. This type of stored blood is usually only used for specialized cases where fresh blood might be hard to find.

Non-Frozen Blood Storage

Regular fresh blood can be stored for up to 6 weeks. After this period, the red blood cells begin to deteriorate, making the blood less effective for transfusions. The lifespan of stored blood is further influenced by storage conditions and the specific needs of the recipient.

Conclusion

Understanding the storage lifecycle of donated blood is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusions. From the initial donation to the point of use, various storage techniques and conditions are employed to manage the different blood components.

Related Keywords

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