Packed Red Blood Cells Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Packed Red Blood Cells?

Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) are a type of blood transfusion product that is derived from whole blood donations and is used to treat patients with anemia or those who are suffering from significant blood loss due to surgery or trauma. This life-saving procedure is a critical component of medical care and has been in use for over a century. PRBCs contain red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, as well as other components such as platelets, white blood cells, and plasma. The process of collecting PRBCs begins when donors give their consent for the collection of their whole blood. Once the donor’s consent has been obtained by health care professionals, the process begins by separating red blood cells from other components found in whole blood through centrifugation and washing them multiple times in saline solution. The washed red cells are then suspended in a preservative solution called buffy coat which allows them to remain viable for up to 42 days when stored at 1-6°C before being used for transfusion purposes. The benefits associated with PRBC transfusions include improved oxygen delivery to tissues, increased red cell mass leading to improved survival rates and quality of life among patients suffering from severe anemia or major bleeding events. Furthermore, since PRBC transfusions have fewer side effects than other types of transfusions such as fresh frozen plasma or platelet products, they can be administered more safely without worrying about reactions due to incompatibilities between donor and recipient antigens. Overall, Packed Red Blood Cells provide a crucial resource for saving lives worldwide by treating anemia or replenishing lost volume due to trauma or surgery using donated red cell components that would otherwise be discarded during the processing of whole blood donations into components like platelets or plasma products. As such, it remains an essential component in modern day medicine with its ability to quickly deliver oxygenated cells needed during emergencies where time is often critical for patient outcomes.