Blood itself doesn't "expire" as a whole unit; rather, its components have different storage durations before they become unsuitable for use. Blood is typically separated into its components - red cells, platelets, and plasma – each with its own expiration timeline.
Blood Component Expiration Timelines
Here's a detailed breakdown of how long each blood component can be stored, based on the information provided:
| Component | Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Red Cells | 42 days |
| Plasma | Up to 12 months |
| Platelets | 5 days |
Understanding Component-Specific Expiration
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Red Cells: These are crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body. They can be stored for a maximum of 42 days under specific refrigerated conditions. After this period, the cells' functionality begins to decline, making them unsuitable for transfusion.
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Plasma: This is the liquid part of the blood, rich in proteins and clotting factors. It can be frozen and stored for an extended period, typically up to 12 months. Freezing helps to preserve its properties.
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Platelets: These are cell fragments that help in blood clotting. Due to their delicate nature, they have the shortest shelf life, expiring after only 5 days. They require special storage conditions and are often stored with gentle agitation.
Implications of Expired Blood Components
Using expired blood components can pose serious risks to patients. Therefore, blood banks and hospitals have strict protocols for managing and discarding blood components past their expiration dates. Expired components are never used for transfusion.
Summary of Blood Component Expiration
The expiration of blood is actually the expiration of the various components of blood.
- Red blood cells last the longest out of the three types at 42 days.
- Plasma is usually frozen and may last up to 12 months.
- Platelets have the shortest shelf life of only 5 days.
