What is a significant feature of stored whole blood?

Stored whole blood requires refrigeration before usage to preserve its viability and effectiveness for transfusions. This is because the components of blood can deteriorate over time if not kept at appropriate temperatures, which helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and ensures that the cells remain functional for patient needs. The typical storage temperature for whole blood is between 1°C and 6°C.

Other choices may seem plausible but do not accurately characterize stored whole blood. For instance, fresh whole blood is typically expected to be used immediately after collection, making that point irrelevant to the concept of stored blood. Additionally, while blood does have a finite shelf life and expiration date based on the preservatives used during storage, it certainly cannot be said to have no expiration date at all. Lastly, stored whole blood is not inherently less preferred than fresh whole blood; rather, their use depends on the specific clinical scenario, patient needs, and inventory type.