Handling, Storage, and Returns
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Packed Red Blood Cells
Handling : Once dispensed, any PRBCs shall be immediately transported directly to the RN or LIP requesting the component for transfusion.
Storage: 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).
Returns: If the transfusion cannot be initiated within a time frame that would allow for completion within 4 hours of time issued, return the component to the Blood Bank.
Exception: Blood can be stored in a Blood Bank validated cooler for up to 6 hours. The cooler must be returned to the Blood Bank prior to the 6 hour cooler expiration time. The cooler will then be repacked and reissued if the blood products are still needed.
The cooler expiration time is noted on the outside of the cooler.
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Plasma (Frozen Or Thawed)
Handling : Frozen Plasma must be thawed prior to issue. This process takes approximately 45 minutes. Once dispensed, any plasma shall be immediately transported directly to the RN or LIP requesting the component for transfusion.Storage: Frozen Plasma is maintained in the Blood Bank freezer at a temp ≤-18ºC until it is thawed. Once thawed, it is stored in a Blood Bank refrigerator at a temp of 1-6ºC until issue.
- Frozen Plasma - The shelf life is 1 year from the date of collection.
- Thawed Plasma - The shelf life of thawed plasma is either 24 hours or 5 days, depending on the plasma product. The expiration date is located on the unit(s).
Returns: If the transfusion cannot be initiated within a time frame that would allow for completion within 4 hours of time issued, return the component to the Blood Bank.
The cooler expiration time is noted on the outside of the cooler.
- Frozen Plasma - The shelf life is 1 year from the date of collection.
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Platelets
Apheresis Platelets or Single Donor Platelets - Therapeutic dose collected from 1 donor via an automated apheresis procedure; is equivalent to 6 whole blood derived platelet units
Pooled Platelets - Therapeutic dose from up to 6 whole blood donors pooled together; is equivalent a single apheresis platelet unit.
Handling : Once dispensed, platelets shall be immediately transported directly to the RN or LIP requesting the component for transfusion.
Must remain at room temperature. Never place inside a Blood Bank blood cooler for any reason.
Storage: All platelets are stored at room temperature (20-24ºC) with gentle agitation until issue.
The shelf life is 5 days from the date of collection.
Pooled Platelets expire 4 hours from the time of preparation (pooling if required) pooling. The expiration date is located on the unit(s).Returns: Return as soon as possible if the component is not able to be transfused.
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Cryoprecipitate
NOTE - A therapeutic dose of cryoprecipitate is generally a pool of 5 units; this is typically issued as a single bag containing all of the individual units pooled together. The pool size and the number of units required for a therapeutic dose are determined by the blood supplier and available inventory may vary.
Handling : Cryoprecipitate will need to be thawed prior to issue. This process takes approximately 45 minutes. Pooling of individual units, if required, may take additional time. Once dispensed, Cryoprecipitate shall be immediately transported directly to the RN or LIP requesting the component for transfusion.
- Must remain at room temperature.
- Never place inside a Blood Bank blood cooler for any reason.
Storage: Cryoprecipitate is stored in the Blood Bank freezer at a temp of ≤18°C until thawing. After thawing, it should be maintained at room temperature (20 - 24°C). It should never be refrigerated or placed in a blood cooler.
- Frozen Cryoprecipitate - The shelf life is 1 year from the date of collection.
- Single units expire 6 hours from time of thawing.
- The expiration date is located on the unit(s).
Returns: Return as soon as possible if the component is not able to be transfused.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Blood issued in syringes for pediatric patient expire 4 hours after aliquoted into the syringe; regardless of the type of component
- All components issued shall be returned if not transfused so that the patient's transfusion record in the blood bank can be modified to accurately reflect products given and to avoid unnecessary charges to the patient. Any unit issued is considered transfused and the patient is charged unless the product is returned to the Blood Bank. The Blood Bank will handle appropriate disposal of any returned products which are not suitable for return to inventory.
