Blood Handling
After Blood Donation: Testing, Separation and Storage Temperatures
Updated 2026-06-13 · Hotech Technical Team
In short
After donation, blood goes to the blood center for testing (blood typing and infectious-disease screening) and component separation (red cells, plasma, platelets), then each component is stored at its required temperature: red cells refrigerated at 1–6°C, plasma frozen, platelets at 20–24°C with agitation — supplied as needed.
Testing and separation
- After collection, blood is typed (ABO/Rh) and screened for infectious diseases, then centrifuged to separate whole blood into red cells, plasma and platelets.
Storage temperatures by component
- Red cells: refrigerated at 1–6°C.
- Plasma: frozen (fresh frozen plasma, FFP).
- Platelets: 20–24°C with continuous agitation.
Pre-use temperature handling
- Frozen plasma is thawed near 37°C before use; blood is warmed before infusion when needed. Temperature control and records run throughout.
Related Products
- Blood Plasma Thawing System BBW-6000 →
- GenFlow Blood/Fluid Warmer FIW-4150 →
- Platelet Agitator with Incubator 628 →
FAQ
What components is blood separated into?
Commonly red cells, plasma and platelets, supplied separately as clinically needed.
Storage temperature of each component?
Red cells refrigerated 1–6°C, plasma frozen, platelets at 20–24°C with agitation.
Does plasma need thawing before use?
Yes — frozen plasma must be thawed uniformly near 37°C before use, avoiding local overheating.