Final answer:
Blood products are to be stored at 1 to 6 degrees Celsius in a refrigerator. This range inhibits microbial metabolism, ensuring the preservation and safety of the products.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood products should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 1 to 6 degrees Celsius if not used immediately. Refrigeration inhibits microbial metabolism and slows down the growth of microorganisms significantly, which helps preserve medical supplies such as blood products. The standard temperature for refrigerators used in laboratories and medical facilities is designed to ensure that blood and other perishable medical supplies maintain their efficacy and safety.
It is essential to monitor the temperature closely because blood viscosity ratios are nearly constant between 0°C and 37°C, and any fluctuation outside the recommended range might compromise the integrity of the blood products. Furthermore, the refrigeration temperature is crucial because, while freezing food or medical specimens does not kill bacteria, it essentially preserves them in a state of suspended animation; once thawed, they can become active again.