Transfusable Blood Components Summary

The primary components of Whole Blood are Red Blood Cells, Platelets, Plasma and cryoprecipitate.

Blood ProductDefinitionStorageShlef LifeMain Uses
Whole BloodWhole blood contains all the blood elements2⁰ to 6⁰*35 days or 42 daysTrauma, Major Surgeries including open heart surgery and newborns
Red Blood CellsRBC’s contain haemoglobin, they transport oxygen and carbon dioxide2⁰ to 6⁰*35 days or 42 daysTrauma, Anemia, Surgery, Blood Disorders
PlateletsHelps stop bleeding by aiding clotting of blood20⁰ to 24⁰5 daysCancer Patients receiving chemotherapy, Organ Transplant, Dengue
PlasmaThe fluid part of blood in which corpuscles are suspended−18⁰ to −80⁰1 yearCoagulation factor deficiencies, Liver disease, Bleeding Disorder , Shock, Burns
CryoprecipitateInsoluble portion of Plasma, It contains ≥ 80IU Factor VIII (AHF), ≥ 150mg of fibrinogen−18⁰ to −80⁰1 yearHemophilia, von-Willebrands diseases(most common hereditary coagulation abnormality)
Single Donor PlateletsHelps stop bleeding by aiding clotting of blood20⁰ to 24⁰5 daysCancer Patients receiving chemotherapy, Dengue

* Shelf life of whole blood and red cells varies based on the type of anticoagulant + Additive Solution.