A unit of red cells must be completed within which timeframe after its removal from the blood fridge?

A unit of red cells must be transfused within 6 hours after its removal from the blood fridge to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness. This timeframe is established to minimize the risk of bacterial growth, which can occur when blood products are kept at room temperature for extended periods. As red blood cells are stored in a refrigerated state to maintain their viability, allowing them to remain at room temperature for too long increases the risk of contamination, compromising patient safety. Ensuring transfusion occurs within this 6-hour window protects patients and upholds blood safety standards.