Which of the following is an acceptable time in which a unit of whole blood is collected?

The correct answer is based on established guidelines for the collection of whole blood. The acceptable time frame for collecting a unit of whole blood is typically around 15 to 20 minutes, and some sources may extend this to 30 minutes. However, collection times shorter than this range, such as 13 minutes, are considered acceptable as long as the donor remains stable and the blood is collected safely and effectively.

Collecting blood units in a timely manner is essential to ensure good quality and minimize the risk of complications. While a collection time of 20 minutes is generally within the acceptable range, shorter times may still be valid, especially in a controlled environment with experienced staff, hence why the answer provided recognizes 13 minutes as acceptable.

Longer collection times, such as those noted in the other choices, may exceed the recommended thresholds for efficiency and safety during the blood donation process. Safe practices in blood collection strive to balance donor comfort and the integrity of the blood unit.