Blood collection and storage

Blood collection involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein using a sterile needle and container. After collection, the blood is labeled and transported to a laboratory for testing or processing. Proper storage depends on the purpose: some blood samples are kept refrigerated at 2-8°C for short-term use, while others, like stored blood for transfusions, are preserved using specific techniques such as freezing with anticoagulants and additive solutions. These methods help maintain blood’s safety, integrity, and functionality until it is needed for medical use.