(2) BTCs will be activated only during contingencies, emergencies, and
exercises, and will be operational within 24 hours of an activation order by the theater
JBPO. Each BTC will have the capability to simultaneously store two 436L pallets (240
boxes or 7200 units of liquid RBCs). Alternatively, the BTC may store one 463L pallet
of liquid RBCs plus one 463L pallet of either frozen RBCs (1560 units) or FFP (1440
units).
(3) Upon receipt of a Blood Shipment Report (BLDSHIPREP) notifying the BTC
of an inbound shipment, contact local transportation authority and coordinate blood
pickup and transport from aerial port to the BTC.
(4) Advise the blood shipper by immediate message of blood receipt and any
discrepancies.
(5) Review the accompanying shipment form. Depending on the next required
re-icing time, the following should be accomplished:
(a) If re-icing is not required for another 24 hours to 48 hours, the liquid
RBC boxes may be stored in the walk-in refrigerator, or non-refrigerated shelter area,
without inspection.
(b) If re-icing is required within the next 24 hours, one of each of the 20
liquid red cell boxes should be inspected for proper temperature (1 to 10 C) and unit
appearance and then all boxes either stored in walk-in refrigerator or re-iced
immediately.
(6) Blood inspections should also involve ensuring liquid RBC units were not
frozen (below 1E C) during shipment. Liquid blood below 1 C or above 10 C should
be destroyed and records of destruction maintained.
(7) FFP and frozen red cells should be taken out of their boxes and stored in
ultra low-temperature freezers (-80 C). Any left over dry ice should be collected in
blood boxes, taped closed, and placed in walk-in refrigerators for later use in shipping.
(8) Liquid red cell units should be left in the insulated blood shipment
containers and placed in the walk-in refrigerator at a temperature of 1 to 6 C. Stored in
this manner, re-icing will not normally be required for up to 4 days. The refrigerator will
have a tamper proof audible alarm system, a temperature recording system, and a
remote alarm activation in a constantly manned area. A daily inspection procedure for
manually checking and documenting temperatures will be accomplished.
(9) In the absence of a 24-hour temperature recording system, the following
procedures can be used to detect unexpected thawing of frozen blood products.
(a) Fill a test tube half full of water and freeze.
MD0868
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