[Diary/Dairy]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080319/...RVpZb74qWs0NUE

ATLANTA - Heart surgery patients were more likely to die or suffer problems if they received transfusions of blood that is more than two weeks old rather than fresher blood, according to a new study that adds to the debate about the shelf life of blood.

Although not the final word, the study underscores concerns that blood deteriorates with age and that rules allowing blood to be stored for six weeks may pose a safety risk, at least for certain patients.

[Jolie]

Interesting study. In NICU, we always requested blood that was less than 10 days old for transfusions. I guess that may apply to adult patients as well.

[ukstudent]

The supply of blood is not very good in this country, even with the 6 week shelf life. And yes we all know that blood breaks down with age. However, if you are a trauma victim and need blood, older blood is better than no blood.