What is the maximum duration allowed for hanging a unit of packed red blood cells after receiving it from the blood bank?

The maximum duration for hanging a unit of packed red blood cells after receiving it from the blood bank is generally accepted as 4 hours. This timeline is crucial for ensuring patient safety and maintaining the integrity of the blood product. Once the blood is transfused, if it remains at room temperature for too long, it can lead to bacterial growth, which poses a significant risk of infection and other complications for the recipient.

While it’s essential to begin the transfusion as soon as possible, adhering to the 4-hour time limit from the time of issue to administration ensures that transfusion-related risks are minimized. Factors such as blood volume, patient condition, and the infusion rate can influence the practical duration to some extent, but the 4-hour guideline remains a standard that facilities and guidelines promote to safeguard patient health during blood transfusions.