Principle:
HMC Blood Donor Center used platelets (buffy coat pools) and/or apheresis-derived suspended in PAS (platelet additive solution). In each platelet pool or apheresis platelet, less than 35 ml (average < 20%) of the original plasma. This was much less than would remain if volume-reduced platelets had been prepared by centrifugation. Furthermore, the platelets would NOT be traumatized by the centrifugation.
Policy:
- For neonates (< 4 months old) and infants (<20 kg), we will give preference to use plasma-compatible platelet and plasma type.
- In any case, PAS-suspended platelets will be used with little residual plasma (far less than if we had centrifuged them).
- In the rare event that plasma-compatible platelet types are not available, the transfusion medicine physician must approve the release.
References:
- Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, Current Edition, AABB, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Guide to the Preparation, Use, and Quality Assurance of Blood Components, European Committee (Partial Agreement) on Blood Transfusion, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, France