how long can blood samples be stored for years
According to the University of California, Los Angeles, blood components should be stored as follows: Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days at 1Â°C - 6Â°C, depending on the additive. When kept at -65Â°C or below, red blood cells can be stored for up to 10 years. Platelets can be stored at 20Â°C - 24Â°C for up to 5 days with constant agitation. Plasma that is frozen at temperatures of -18Â°C or below within 8 hours of collection, platelets can be stored for up to 1 year. However, for long term storage there are different best practices that should be closely followed.