Why Donated Blood Isn’t Refrigerated at Standard Fridge Temperatures

Blood for transfusion is stored at 2–6 °C (not typical refrigerator temps, which can dip below 2 °C). Below 2 °C, red cells undergo cold‑induced hemolysis, releasing free hemoglobin (nephrotoxic, vasoconstrictive). Above 6 °C, bacterial growth and clotting risk rise. Specialized blood bank refrigerators maintain this narrow range with alarms and monitoring.