Blood components are separated through the process of centrifugation. Click on the various components to learn more.
Plasma - Plasma is stored at -30O°C for up to 3 years in the form of fresh frozen plasma (FFP). It is mainly used to reverse low levels of clotting factors.
Note: Slowly thawing FFP can create cryoprecipitate, which is a fourth blood component. This is mainly used as a fibrinogen concentrate.
Platelets - Platelets are stored at 20-24°C and have a shelf life of 7 days. They are used to increase the number of platelets (eg: patients after chemotherapy, prior to surgery).
Red Blood Cells (RBC) - RBCs are stored at 2-6°C and have a shelf life of 35 days. They are used to treat acute anaemia (generally Hb < 70 g/L, or < 80 g/L in cardiovascular disease) or chronic symptomatic anaemia.