Deviations in red cell blood component temperature during laboratory processing and at blood return monitored by a...

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Biotechnology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Blood centers lack effective monitoring for temperature deviations in red cell components (RCC).
• Current practices rely on '30 or 60-min rules' for accepting temperature-exposed RCC back into inventory, without robust oversight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the performance of a time-temperature indicator (TTI) for tracking cumulative exposure time (CET) of RCC to temperatures above 10°C.
• To evaluate RCC temperature excursions within and outside the transfusion laboratory.

Main Methods:

• A Timestrip PLUS® TP153 10°C TTI was applied to RCC units.
• TTIs monitored CET exceeding 10°C during laboratory processing and after issue to wards.

Main Results:

• The mean CET exceeding 10°C within the lab was 56 minutes.
• 41.8% and 22.2% of RCC exceeded 10°C for over 30 and 60 minutes, respectively.
• Returned unused RCC also showed significant temperature excursions, with 39.1% exceeding 30 minutes at >10°C.

Conclusions:

• A substantial number of RCC experience temperature excursions beyond acceptable limits during handling and return.
• Implementing corrective actions is crucial for maintaining the blood transfusion cold chain.
• TTIs offer an objective method to monitor and manage RCC exposure to temperatures above 10°C.