Which of the following blood components must be prepared within 8 hours after phlebotomy?

Fresh Frozen Plasma must be prepared within 8 hours after phlebotomy due to the stability of clotting factors. When whole blood is collected, the separation of plasma must occur within this timeframe to ensure that the coagulation factors remain viable. After 8 hours, significant degradation of these factors can occur, jeopardizing the efficacy of the plasma for therapeutic use. This time constraint is particularly crucial because Fresh Frozen Plasma is intended for the treatment of conditions requiring correction of coagulopathy, and it is essential that the clotting factors are maintained at effective levels for patient safety.

In contrast, Red Blood Cells can be separated and used beyond this 8-hour window, as they can be refrigerated for longer periods without losing their functionality. Red Blood Cells, Frozen can also be prepared later and stored for extended periods. Cryoprecipitated AHF is derived from fresh frozen plasma but has specific guidelines about preparation and usage after initial collection. While timing is critical for each component type, the 8-hour limit specifically applies to Fresh Frozen Plasma preparation to ensure the integrity of clotting factors.