Washed blood must be kept refrigerated and generally must be transfused within how many hours?

Washed blood is a component that has undergone a special preparation process to remove plasma proteins and other substances that may cause allergic reactions in patients. Due to the nature of this component, it is critical to ensure that it is stored properly to maintain its viability and safety for transfusion.

The correct timeframe for transfusing washed blood is generally within 24 hours after it has been prepared and refrigerated. This is because, while refrigeration helps preserve the blood products, extending the storage beyond this period increases the risk of bacterial growth and degradation of the red blood cells. Transfusions after 24 hours may not ensure the efficacy of the treatment, as the performance and integrity of the blood components could potentially be compromised.

This timeframe is a standard practice in blood banking and transfusion medicine to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Subsequently, compliance with this guideline helps reduce the potential for transfusion-related complications.