Can Blood Be Stored For Future Disasters?
Whole blood is separated into its component parts after donation. Red blood cells can be stored as liquid for only 42 days. Because of the cost, special handling and logistics involved, red blood cells are not routinely frozen for future use. Red blood cells from extremely rare donors are sometimes frozen for up to 10 years; however, platelets are viable for only five days and can’t be frozen. Frozen plasma can only be used for up to one year. Because red blood cells have a 42 day shelf life and platelets, commonly used for cancer patients, only last for five days, we must replenish the national supply daily to ensure a steady blood supply when and where it’s needed.
