Blood donation saves millions of lives every year, but the process doesn’t end when a donor gives blood. Proper storage and preservation are critical steps that ensure donated blood remains safe, effective, and ready for patients in need. Blood banks follow strict medical guidelines and use advanced technology to store and preserve blood components efficiently.
Step 1: Testing and Processing After Donation
Once blood is collected, it is first labeled and sent for testing. Blood banks screen every unit for blood type and infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and malaria. Only after passing all safety tests is the blood approved for storage.
Next, the donated blood is separated into components using a centrifuge. Instead of storing whole blood, most blood banks divide it into:
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Red Blood Cells
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Plasma
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Platelets
Separating blood components allows a single donation to help multiple patients with different medical needs.
Step 2: Storage of Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells are the most commonly used component. They are stored in specialized medical refrigerators at a temperature between 2°C and 6°C. At this temperature, red blood cells can be preserved for 35 to 42 days, depending on the preservative solution used.
These units are regularly monitored, and temperature logs are maintained to ensure blood remains viable and safe for transfusion.
Step 3: Platelet Storage
Platelets require special care because they are more fragile. Unlike red blood cells, platelets are stored at 20°C to 24°C and kept on continuously moving agitators. This gentle motion prevents clotting and keeps platelets functional.
Due to their short lifespan, platelets can only be stored for 5 to 7 days, making regular donation extremely important for patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgeries, or trauma care.
Step 4: Plasma Storage
Plasma is frozen soon after separation to preserve clotting factors and proteins. It is stored at temperatures below –30°C and can be kept safely for up to one year.
Frozen plasma plays a vital role in treating burn victims, patients with liver diseases, and individuals with severe bleeding disorders.
Step 5: Inventory Management and Rotation
Blood banks use a first-in, first-out system to ensure older blood is used first, reducing wastage. Each unit is tracked using digital systems that record donation date, blood group, expiry, and storage conditions.
Regular inspections and audits are conducted to maintain compliance with medical standards and government regulations.
Safety and Quality Control Measures
Blood banks follow national and international guidelines for storage and preservation. Power backup systems, alarm-equipped refrigerators, and round-the-clock monitoring ensure blood remains safe even during emergencies.
Staff members are trained to handle blood products carefully to prevent contamination or temperature fluctuations.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Improper storage can damage blood components or make them unsafe for patients. Correct preservation ensures that blood retains its oxygen-carrying capacity, clotting ability, and overall effectiveness during transfusions.
Conclusion
Blood banks play a crucial role in healthcare by not only collecting blood but also storing and preserving it under strict conditions. From temperature-controlled storage to advanced testing and monitoring, every step is designed to ensure donated blood saves lives safely and effectively.
When you donate blood, you’re not just giving a unit—you’re contributing to a carefully managed system that supports patients when they need it most.
