Cold Stored Whole Blood is FDA licensed and AABB approved cold-stored O+ whole blood with a low antibody titer. This unique blood product is specially crafted for administration in emergency release situations, stepping in when other blood products are unavailable or when the patient's blood type remains unknown.

Each unit of  whole blood undergoes rigorous testing, just like any other blood product. What sets it apart is its low antibody titer and cold storage, ensuring its readiness for critical situations. A preservative is skillfully added to maintain the integrity of the unit, preserving the red cells, plasma, platelets, and white cells from the donor – mirroring the composition as it circulated in their veins.

In the realm of emergency medical care, our low anti-body titer cold-stored O+ whole blood stands out as a beacon of reliability, offering a holistic solution when traditional options may be limited. Experience the uniqueness of this innovative blood product, meticulously designed to make a difference in critical scenarios where swift and effective intervention is paramount.

Examining patient outcomes has highlighted that deferring the initial transfusion until the patient arrives at the hospital is linked to a notably high mortality rate.. On the contrary, the utilization of cold-stored whole blood emerges as a viable alternative, offering a safe and effective approach to concurrently provide oxygen-carrying capacity and restore coagulation.

Cold blood at Robertson County EMS is stored with meticulous care. The EMS supervisor utilizes a specially approved cooler designed to maintain the blood's low temperature without requiring power. This dedicated cooler is changed daily, ensuring that the blood remains consistently at safe storage temperatures. To further enhance monitoring, electronic temperature monitors are in place to send alerts if the blood approaches temperatures outside the safe range.

Additionally, an extra layer of security is provided through a non-electronic indicator on the blood itself. This indicator is designed to activate if the blood has been exposed to temperatures beyond the designated safe range. These comprehensive measures guarantee the integrity and safety of the cold-stored blood, aligning with the highest standards of storage and monitoring protocols at Robertson County EMS.

Certainly. The risk-benefit assessment for the patient leans towards accepting the risk of antibody formation rather than facing the potential outcome of death resulting from hemorrhage.

Possible reactions to the administration of whole blood to a patient may include allergic reactions, fever, or, in rare cases, more severe responses like anaphylaxis or transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). It's important to note that these reactions are similar to those that can occur with any blood product.

Whole blood is typically administered through an intravenous (IV) or intraosseous (IO) line.  The blood is  warmed using an FDA-approved warmer before infusion. This helps maintain an optimal temperature for the blood, ensuring a smoother and  more effective administration process, along with better patient outcomes.

Administering whole blood over components is preferred due to the logistics of platelet shelf life. The effective shelf life of platelets, a crucial coagulation factor for bleeding trauma patients, is only three days. Since patients bleed whole blood, replacing it with cold-stored whole blood, which contains both plasma and platelets, is a more practical solution. Remarkably, the platelet function in cold-stored whole blood on day 21  remains comparable to that in a regular unit on day 5, where it must be either used or discarded. This underscores the efficiency and extended usability of whole blood, making it a valuable choice in emergency situations.

Negative. This blood product was the sole option for transfusions from the initiation of blood transfusion up until the 1970s. In fact, the risks associated with patient transfusions actually decrease as they receive blood from a single donor source rather than from three distinct sources(as with component therapy).