The Importance of Temperature Monitoring for Blood Products
Temperature control is crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of blood products during storage and transportation. Different blood products have specific temperature requirements to ensure their viability. Here are the temperature control ranges for common blood products:
Whole Blood and Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
Storage and Transportation Temperature: Whole blood and red blood cells are typically stored in cold storage at temperatures between 1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F). This range helps to preserve the viability of the red blood cells and prevent bacterial growth. For transport – including intercampus – temperature should not exceed 10°C (50°F). SpotSee has developed key products to support these applications, including HemoTemp II.
Platelets
Storage Temperature: Platelets are usually stored at room temperature, around 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F). This temperature range helps to maintain the function and viability of platelets, which are more sensitive to cold temperatures. The WarmMark Temperature Indicator Label is an accurate and cost-effective solution that helps medical professionals monitor donations to ensure effectiveness.
Plasma
Storage Temperature: Fresh frozen plasma is stored at temperatures below -18°C (-0.4°F). This freezing temperature helps preserve the coagulation factors present in plasma. Thawed plasma (cryoprecipitate-reduced plasma) is typically stored at 1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F). SpotSee’s full line of Data Loggers and temperature indicators are used globally in order to maintain accurate records of plasma storage and monitor during transportation.
Cryoprecipitate
Storage Temperature: Cryoprecipitate is stored at temperatures below -18°C (-0.4°F) to maintain its coagulation properties. It is often used to treat bleeding disorders. To learn more about the right tools to help you monitor cryoprecipitate products, contact one of our experts today.
Cord Blood and Stem Cells
Storage Temperature: Cord blood and stem cells are often stored at very low temperatures in cryogenic conditions, typically below -130°C (-202°F) using liquid nitrogen. This extreme cold ensures the long-term preservation of the cellular material. With the acquisition of Marathon Products, SpotSee now offers one of the best cryo-monitors in the industry.
Maintaining the proper temperature range is crucial for preserving the functionality and safety of blood products. Deviating from these temperature ranges can result in the loss of cellular viability, reduced therapeutic effectiveness, or even contamination. Temperature monitoring systems are often used to ensure that the blood products remain within their designated temperature ranges during storage and transportation. These systems provide real-time data and alerts to prevent temperature fluctuations that could compromise the quality of the blood products. Blood banks, hospitals, and transport services must adhere to strict regulatory guidelines to ensure the proper handling, storage, and transportation of blood products. Proper temperature control is a critical component of these guidelines to guarantee the availability of safe and effective blood products for medical treatments and emergencies.
