What should be done if the supernatant plasma of an autologous unit of Whole Blood is dark red?

When the supernatant plasma of an autologous unit of Whole Blood appears dark red, it suggests potential hemolysis or the presence of hemoglobin in the plasma, which can indicate that the red blood cells are breaking down. This condition raises concerns about the safety and quality of the blood product for transfusion.

Quarantining the unit for further testing is crucial because it allows the blood bank to evaluate the integrity of the product. This testing may include examining the blood for signs of hemolysis, assessing the concentration of free hemoglobin in the supernatant, and ensuring that the product meets all safety standards before any decision regarding its use is made.

The other options may not adequately address the potential risks associated with the dark red appearance of the plasma. Issuing the unit without further testing could expose patients to unnecessary risk. Therefore, quarantining the unit is a key step in ensuring that only safe and viable blood products are made available for transfusion. This cautious approach aligns with standard practices in transfusion medicine to prioritize patient safety.