Shelf life of gamma irradiated pRBC is: (A) 21 days, (B) 28 days, (C) 35 days, (D) 42 days
Answer is B. Irradiation reduces RBC storage shelf life to not >28 days postirradiation depending on the time of irradiation relative to collection. Irradiation followed by refrigerator storage causes a higher concentration of in the product. To avoid wastage of RBC units, irradiation prior to issue is optimal. Ref baley and love 27 pg 17-18