blood preservation

Blood preservation involves techniques to keep donated blood safe and effective for transfusions. After collection, blood is tested, separated into components (like red cells, plasma, and platelets), and stored under specific conditions—red cells at about 1-6°C, plasma frozen at -18°C or colder, and platelets at room temperature with gentle agitation. These methods slow down bacteria growth and chemical changes, extending shelf life (up to 42 days for red cells). Proper preservation ensures that blood remains viable, safe, and effective for patients who need transfusions due to injury, surgery, or medical conditions.