Recently, Tel Aviv University researchers found that replacement of the old blood by new increases the chances for survival in cancer patients.

Research team led by Prof. Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu from the Department of Psychologys Neuroimmunology Research Unit found that a transfusion of young blood that has been stored for less than 9 days increased the odds of survival in animals challenged with two types of cancer.

Prof. Ben-Eliyahu said that there is anecdotal evidence pointing to the fact that some surgeons really prefer to use younger blood units. They insist on it. Our research shows their reasoning might be sound.

He also explained that the oldest blood in a blood bank usually sits on the shelf anywhere from 40 to 42 days before it expires.

He added: "I don't think this study will or should change the practices of surgeons in hospitals, but it is definitely something that needs to be investigated further in human clinical studies."