Whole Human Blood (WHB)

Whole blood can be stored under refrigeration for up to 35 days at 2 to 6'C 

The upper limit of 6 degree C is essential to minimize the growth of any bacterial contamination in the  unit of blood.

Below 2 degree C  red cells  become haemolysed.  So they must never be allowed to freeze. Haemolysed cells if transfused can cause renal failure & fatal bleeding problems.

Whole blood & red cells should be issued from the blood bank in the blood transport box or insulator carrier that will keep the temperature under 10 degree C, if the room temperature is greater than 25 degree C or if there is a possibility that blood will not be transfused within 30 minutes.

Once issued red blood cells should be transfused within ½ hour of release from BTS.  If not required should be sent back to Blood center immediately.

Whole Blood contains all the elements of blood that are necessary for oxygen delivery and hemostasis, in nearly physiologic ratios and concentrations. 

Whole blood is the preferred product for resuscitation of severe traumatic hemorrhage. 

Group O whole blood that contains low titers of anti-A and anti-B antibodies (low titer group O whole blood) can be safely transfused as a universal blood product to patients of unknown blood group, facilitating rapid treatment of exsanguinating patients. 

Fresh whole blood can be collected from pre-screened donors in a walking blood bank to provide effective resuscitation when fully tested stored whole blood or blood components are unavailable and the need for transfusion is urgent.