AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The guidelines stipulate storage at 2-6 °C but allow exposure to between 1-10 °C core temperature in a single occurrence of less than 5 h and a surface temperature of 2-10 °C for no more than 12 h during transportation.

Detailed explanation-2: -The current recommended red cell component storage temperature of 2 – 6 °C is appropriate to ensure red cell quality is maintained and the risk of bacterial proliferation is minimised.

Detailed explanation-3: -PRBCs are stored in a Blood Bank refrigerator at a temp of 1-6ºC until issue. The shelf life is 42 days from the date of collection The expiration date is located on the unit(s).

Detailed explanation-4: -Whole blood and red cell concentrate must always be stored between 2°C and 6°C. A fall in temperature less than 2°C can cause freezing injury to the red cells leading to haemolysis. If haemolysed blood is transfused to a patient, it can lead to fatal consequences.

Detailed explanation-5: -RBCs for transfusion are stored refrigerated in a preservative solution, which extends their shelf-life. Most of the preservative solutions in common use, such as saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAG-M), enable refrigerated storage of RBCs for up to 42 days following collection.