What does PRBC mean in Physiology?

Packed red blood cells

In transfusion medicine, packed red blood cells are red blood cells that have been collected, processed, and stored in bags as blood product units available for blood transfusion purposes. The collection may be from a "whole blood" donation followed by component separation, or by RBC apheresis. The processing and the storage can occur at a collection center and/or a blood bank. RBCs are mixed with an anticoagulant and storage solution which provides nutrients and aims to preserve viability and functionality of the cells, which are stored at refrigerated temperatures for up to 42 days, except for the rather unusual long-term storage in which case they can be frozen for up to 10 years. The cells are separated from the fluid portion of the blood after it is collected from a donor, or during the collection process in the case of apheresis. The product is then sometimes modified after collection to meet specific patient requirements.

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