How long can whole blood units be stored in the refrigerator if properly collected?

Whole blood units can be stored in a refrigerator under specific conditions for a maximum of 35 days when collected using an anticoagulant such as CPDA-1 (Citrate Phosphate Dextrose Adenine). This preservation period is critical as it helps maintain the viability of red blood cells during storage, ensuring they remain functional for transfusion.

During this time, the cold temperature slows down metabolic processes and delays cell degradation, which is vital for ensuring that the blood product retains its efficacy when transfused into a patient. Following the 35-day storage limit, the quality of the blood can significantly decline, leading to a higher risk of transfusion-related complications and decreased therapeutic effectiveness.

In the case of other options, while some units of blood may have different storage recommendations (like red blood cells stored in additive solutions), the specific timeframe of 35 days is well established for whole blood collected under optimal conditions.