• Provided as 55 x 10⁹ platelets (minimum) in 60ml of plasma.
• During Monday to Friday can be concentrated to 20ml if Blood Bank is notified by early afternoon.
• For CMV considerations -as for red cell transfusions P.5. The Big Blue Blood Bank Book (BBBBB)
• For irradiation considerations -as for red cell transfusions P5. BBBBB*

Complications

1. Platelets contain a few red cells. Therefore a Rh negative baby receiving platelets from a Rh positive donor will need Anti-D 0.5ml (about 62ug) subcutaneously within 72 hours (usually straight away) after the platelets to prevent baby producing own Anti-D.
   • Subsequent infusions of platelets - if Anti-D is detectable in baby's blood there is no need to give more Anti-D subcutaneously. One injection per week is generally sufficient. If in doubt check baby's serum for presence of Anti-D.
2. The usual infections risk of blood transfusion apply also to platelets, e.g. HIV, HBV, HCV and NANB hepatitis, CMV, Syphilis, Malaria, etc or bacterial contamination of the products.

Administration

1. Keep at Room Temperature: Mix well. Use platelets as soon as they arrive on ward.
2. Draw into new plastic syringe through new 170ug blood filter.
3. Volume to Transfuse
   • Platelet concentrate contains 55 x 10⁹ platelets in 50ml.
   • Normally give 10ml (11 x 10⁹) per kg, which is expected to raise count by approximately 110 x 10⁹/L.
   • Infuse over 30-60 mins, mixing syringe from time to time to avoid platelets settling out.
4. Check post-transfusion platelet count

Ordering

Ring ARBC during office hours or Auckland BB after hours to speak to duty medical specialist.

Write yellow cellular blood product request form (S440) in usual way and send to your Blood Bank.

For further details see:- *The Big Blue Blood Bank Book.

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