Which of the following is an optimum temperature for the storage of red blood cells?

The optimum temperature for the storage of red blood cells is 4°C because this temperature effectively slows down metabolic processes and minimizes the risk of hemolysis and bacterial growth, ensuring the cells remain viable for transfusion. At this temperature, red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days depending on the additive solutions used, which help preserve their functionality and integrity.

Storing red blood cells at -20°C is not ideal as it would lead to freezing, which causes ice crystal formation that can damage the cell membrane, resulting in loss of cell viability. A storage temperature of 0°C does not provide adequate refrigeration for red blood cells and can also raise concerns regarding cell integrity, as the temperature is on the verge of freezing. Conversely, a temperature of 30°C is far too warm for red blood cell storage, promoting metabolic activity and increasing the risk of hemolysis and bacterial contamination, significantly decreasing the shelf life and safety of the blood product.