Storage & Handling

Red cells, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and platelet concentrates should be stored at temperatures in compliance with the storage temperature requirements listed in the table below.

Product Temperature Range Comments

ProductTemperature RangeComments
Whole Blood
2 - 6ºCAll blood refrigerators, including theatre and other holding refrigerators, must comply with AS3864 (1997) as amended from time to time.
Red Cells
 
Fresh Frozen Plasma Cryo-depleted Plasma CryoprecipitateAt or below -25ºC
Plasma freezers must comply with AS 3864 (1997) as amended from time to time.
Platelets20 - 24ºC
Must be stored with agitation – on a platelet rocker
  • Handling of refrigerated components outside of refrigeration should be kept to a minimum to ensure that maximum temperature requirements are not exceeded.
  • Red cell components must not exceed 30 minutes at room temperature at each occasion in accordance with the AABB Technical Manual (1) as amended from time to time.
  • Components should be maintained in a controlled temperature environment until administered.
  • Components must be handled and stored in a way that minimises the possibility of product tampering.

Alarm set points should be within 0.5C of the storage temperature range.

For CSL products refer to Package Instructions or visit CSL

References

(1) Administration of Blood and Components. Chapter 22, AABB Technica.