What is the main concern associated with using expired blood products?

The main concern associated with using expired blood products is the increased risk of adverse events. As blood products expire, their components may degrade or lose their effectiveness, which can compromise their safety and efficacy. For instance, the integrity of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma may deteriorate over time, potentially leading to complications when they are administered to patients. Utilizing expired products can heighten the likelihood of immunological reactions and other negative outcomes, as the body's response to compromised blood components is unpredictable and may result in severe consequences for the recipient.

In contrast, while higher cost, compatibility issues, and decreased shelf life relate to blood products, they do not capture the critical risk that is placed on patient safety and health when expired products are used.