How Blood Is Stored in a Blood Bank: The Journey After Donation

darna kushith
Jun 25
3 min read

When someone donates blood, they often leave with a smile and a sense of pride. But what happens to that donated blood after the donor walks out the door? At Vijaya Sri Blood Centre in Khammam, Telangana, the real journey begins—one guided by precision, science, and unwavering commitment to safety.

This blog takes you behind the scenes to explore how blood is processed, stored, and prepared for patients in need. It’s a journey that saves lives—every single day.

Step 1: Collection and Labelling

Every donation begins with careful collection. After blood is drawn from a donor, it is:

Collected into a sterile, labeled blood bag
Assigned a unique identification number
Recorded digitally for traceability

This ensures no mix-ups or loss of data, and allows for detailed tracking throughout the process.

Step 2: Initial Screening

Before storage, each donation undergoes mandatory screening tests for:

HIV
Hepatitis B & C
Syphilis
MalariaThese are typically done using ELISA testing, known for high accuracy.

Any unit that fails safety standards is discarded immediately, and the donor is informed confidentially.

Step 3: Separation of Blood Components

Most blood isn’t stored as whole blood. It is separated into components using a centrifuge, which allows doctors to use exactly what a patient needs:

Red Blood Cells (RBCs) – for anemia, surgeries, trauma
Platelets – for cancer and dengue patients
Plasma – for clotting disorders, burn victims

This maximizes the impact of every donation.

Step 4: Storage with Precision

Each component has a unique storage requirement:

RBCs: Stored at 2–6°C for up to 42 days
Platelets: Stored at 20–24°C and constantly agitated, usable for 5–7 days
Plasma: Frozen at -18°C or below, stored for up to one year

At Vijaya Sri Blood Centre, all storage areas are equipped with temperature monitoring systems, backup power, and 24/7 surveillance to maintain quality.

Step 5: Distribution and Use

Once cleared for use, the blood components are dispatched to:

Hospitals and clinics for surgeries or emergencies
Thalassemia care centers for regular transfusions
Emergency cases handled directly by our 24/7 centre

Doctors can request specific components depending on the patient’s condition, ensuring faster and more effective treatment.

Why This Process Matters

This behind-the-scenes journey ensures:

Zero contamination
Efficient use of each donation
Faster access during emergencies
Longer shelf life of critical components

It’s not just about storing blood—it’s about preserving life.

Our Track Record of Safety and Service

At Vijaya Sri Blood Centre, we don’t just collect blood—we protect it with the highest standards of safety, responsibility, and transparency.

Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:

Supported over 10,000+ blood bags, all screened and safely stored
Donated 2,500+ bags for thalassemia patients, ensuring continuity of care
Operate 24/7, with emergency response, walk-in donations, and certified donor programs
All units tested using advanced ELISA techniques to guarantee infection-free transfusions

Whether you’re a donor, a patient, or a family member, you can trust that the blood handled here is safe, traceable, and ready to save a life.

Conclusion: The Journey of Hope

From donation to delivery, the process of storing blood is carefully monitored and backed by science. At Vijaya Sri Blood Centre, we honor every donation by ensuring it reaches the right person, at the right time, in the right condition.

Next time you donate, remember—you’re not just giving blood, you’re starting a journey of hope. Visit Vijaya Sri Blood Centre, Khammam