Volume in 1 unit of blood?

[RNinRubySlippers]

Can anyone tell me? I assume it is standard. thanks in advance!

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

Judee Smudee said:

Don't they add additional fluid in the lab sometimes for preservation purposes? Someone once told me that but I don't know for sure. I think they also add a perservative chemical.

You are correct. The most commonly used anticoagulant/preservative is CPDA-1, which contains citrate, phosphate, dextrose, and adenine. This extends the shelf-life of a unit of PRBCs to approx. 120 days.