Transfusion Practices

General Information

Blood collection, processing, storage and distribution are strictly
regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. DTM practices conform to
these regulations and guidelines.

Because Whole Blood and Red Blood Cells have a short shelf life,
crossmatched blood is held for only two days before being released into
inventory.

Some products such as Washed Red Blood Cells or Frozen Deglycerolized Red Blood Cells outdate within 24 hours of preparation. It is important that
the DTM be notified immediately if products are no longer needed.

Blood must not be stored in refrigerators on the nursing units.They are
not equipped with the necessary monitoring equipment.

Red Blood Cells will be issued to a nursing unit only one unit at a
time. Platelets and Fresh Frozen Plasma may be issued for more than one
person on a unit when requested.