Which type of blood is FDA approved and preferred for transfusions?

Stored whole blood is the FDA-approved and preferred type for transfusions due to its safety, consistency, and longer shelf life compared to other options. Through processing and storage, stored whole blood has undergone testing and screening for infectious diseases, ensuring it meets strict regulatory standards. The ability to separate various components, such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, from the whole blood allows healthcare providers to administer the most appropriate type of blood product based on the patient's specific needs during a transfusion.

Fresh whole blood has limitations in terms of its storage duration and is typically used in more specialized cases. Walking blood bank blood refers to blood donated immediately in an emergency situation, which may not have undergone extensive safety testing. The emergency blood supply can also be critical in urgent situations but is generally derived from stored components that have already been properly screened. Therefore, stored whole blood provides the benefits of safety and availability, making it the preferred choice for transfusions.