What is the acceptable temperature range for a blood bank refrigerator?

What is the acceptable temperature range for a blood bank refrigerator?

• A. 0 C to 2 C
• B. 4 C to 8 C
• C. 1 C to 6 C
• D. -10 C to 0 C

Answer: (C)

Storing red cell components requires a tight refrigerated range that slows metabolism but avoids freezing. The standard acceptable range is 1 to 6 degrees Celsius. This window keeps cells viable for their shelf life by suppressing metabolic activity and bacterial growth without ice crystal formation. Temperatures at 0–2°C or below risk freezing and damaging cell membranes, while temperatures around 4–8°C are too warm to maintain viability for the full storage period. Hence 1–6°C is the correct range.

Storing red cell components requires a tight refrigerated range that slows metabolism but avoids freezing. The standard acceptable range is 1 to 6 degrees Celsius. This window keeps cells viable for their shelf life by suppressing metabolic activity and bacterial growth without ice crystal formation. Temperatures at 0–2°C or below risk freezing and damaging cell membranes, while temperatures around 4–8°C are too warm to maintain viability for the full storage period. Hence 1–6°C is the correct range.