Multiple Choice
How long do erythrocytes (red blood cells) typically survive in circulation under normal physiological conditions?
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17. The Blood
Erythrocytes
Multiple Choice
In an adult with normal erythrocyte turnover, approximately how long do transfused donor red blood cells (packed RBCs) typically survive in the recipient’s circulation?
A
About 7–10 days
B
About 24 hours
C
About 120 days
D
About 1 year
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that erythrocytes (red blood cells) have a typical lifespan in the bloodstream before they are broken down and recycled by the body.
Recall that in a healthy adult, the average lifespan of a red blood cell is about 120 days, which is roughly 4 months.
Recognize that transfused donor red blood cells behave similarly to the recipient's own red blood cells and thus have a comparable survival time in circulation.
Note that shorter durations like 7–10 days or 24 hours are not typical for normal erythrocyte turnover, as these would indicate rapid destruction or removal.
Conclude that the typical survival time of transfused donor red blood cells in a recipient with normal erythrocyte turnover is about 120 days.
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