Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Practice Exam

What is the ideal temperature to store plasma for veterinary use?

1. At room temperature

2. At below freezing temperatures

3. At temperatures between 39.2 F - 50 F (4 C - 10 C)

4. At temperatures above 98.6 F (37 C)

The correct answer is: At temperatures between 39.2 F - 50 F (4 C - 10 C)

Storing plasma at temperatures between 39.2°F and 50°F (4°C and 10°C) is crucial for maintaining its stability and efficacy for veterinary use. Within this temperature range, coagulation factors and proteins in the plasma are preserved, thereby ensuring that the functional properties of the plasma remain intact when it is administered to animals in need of transfusion or treatment. Plasma that is not stored at the appropriate temperatures may experience degradation of its components. For instance, if plasma is stored at room temperature, there is a risk of significant loss of clotting factors, which can lead to ineffective or dangerous outcomes when the plasma is used. Additionally, temperatures below freezing can cause crystallization of proteins, which can affect the plasma's functionality if it were to be thawed and used later. Storing plasma above normal body temperature can destabilize the proteins and increase the risk of bacterial growth, both of which compromise the safety and effectiveness of the plasma. Therefore, maintaining plasma within the specified temperature range ensures that it remains viable for therapeutic purposes in veterinary medicine.