Blood Coagulation: How Blood is Stored in Banks & Hospitals

[JOL]

According to theory, blood may even clot without coming into contact with air,then how do the store blood in blood banks or in hospitals?

 

[mgb_phys]

The donation bags have anti-coagulent coatings.
The stored blood is often separated so the platelets (the main clotting factor) is extracted for use separately than the red blood.

 

[quicknote]

Blood coagulation, also known as blood clotting, is a complex process that involves the formation of a blood clot to stop bleeding. This process is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of the circulatory system. In the context of blood storage in banks and hospitals, there are specific measures taken to prevent blood from clotting.

First, it is important to understand that blood clotting can occur in two ways: through contact with air and through contact with certain substances in the blood. When blood comes into contact with air, it activates a series of reactions that lead to the formation of a clot. This is known as the extrinsic pathway. However, blood can also clot without coming into contact with air, through the intrinsic pathway, which is initiated by substances present in the blood itself.

To prevent blood from clotting during storage, blood banks and hospitals use anticoagulants. These are substances that inhibit the activation of the clotting process and keep the blood in a liquid state. Commonly used anticoagulants include heparin, citrate, and EDTA. These substances work by binding to and inactivating enzymes and proteins involved in the clotting process.

In addition to anticoagulants, blood banks and hospitals also use specific storage conditions to prevent blood from clotting. This includes keeping the blood at a certain temperature, usually between 1-6 degrees Celsius, and constantly rotating the bags of blood to keep it from settling and forming clots.

It is also important to note that blood clotting is a natural and necessary process for the body. In cases where blood is needed for transfusions, the anticoagulants used in blood banks and hospitals are carefully chosen to prevent clotting during storage, but also allow for clotting to occur when the blood is transfused into the recipient's body.

In conclusion, blood banks and hospitals use a combination of anticoagulants and specific storage conditions to prevent blood from clotting during storage. These measures are crucial for ensuring that blood is safe and effective for transfusions.