Best Practices for Blood and Plasma Storage – How Wireless Sensors Are Elevating Standards

Blood and plasma are among the most critical biological products in the healthcare system. Whether used for transfusions, life-saving therapies, or research, how these products are stored can mean the difference between life and loss.

Storage requirements are strict—and for good reason. But thanks to wireless sensor technology, maintaining ideal storage conditions has never been easier or more reliable.

Why Proper Blood and Plasma Storage Matters

Blood and plasma are highly temperature-sensitive. Even a brief deviation outside of recommended ranges can lead to spoilage, compliance violations, or compromised patient safety.

Here are the key temperature requirements for safe storage:

• Whole blood & red blood cells:
  Stored at 1°C to 6°C (34°F to 43°F)
• Plasma (frozen):
  Must be stored at or below -18°C (0°F) — and ideally below -25°C (-13°F) for long-term storage
• Platelets:
  Stored at 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F) with continuous agitation

Deviations can cause:

• Loss of potency or therapeutic value
• Increased risk of bacterial growth
• Wasted inventory and financial loss
• Regulatory non-compliance

This is why agencies like the FDA, CDC, and AABB have established strict standards for how blood and plasma must be stored and monitored.

Best Practices for Blood and Plasma Storage

Here’s how top-performing labs, hospitals, and blood centers ensure compliance and quality:

✅ 1. Continuous Temperature Monitoring

Temperature should be logged 24/7. Relying on periodic manual checks isn’t enough.

✅ 2. Routine Equipment Calibration

Refrigerators and freezers must be regularly calibrated and maintained to prevent drift.

✅ 3. Emergency Preparedness

Facilities need backup power sources and response protocols in the event of equipment failure or outages.

✅ 4. Inventory Management

Use FIFO (First-In, First-Out) systems and ensure all units are clearly labeled with expiration dates.

✅ 5. Accurate Documentation

Maintain detailed logs for all temperature readings, alerts, and corrective actions—this is critical for audits and traceability. when something goes wrong—giving staff time to intervene and prevent spoilage.