In 1983, additive solutions were shown to extend the shelf life of red blood cells (RBC) to 42 days. Blood bank storage significantly affects metabolic profiles of RBC extracts and supernatants by day 14.

Transfusion of packed RBCs is a life-saving therapy and allows for complex surgeries, organ and bone marrow transplantation, the administration of myelotoxic chemotherapy, and survival from serious blunt and penetrating injuries. In most countries, the shelf life of RBC concentrates is limited to 42 days, as to ensure 24-hour recoveries above 75% and hemolysis below 0.8% thresholds.