Specimen Requirements

A pathologist must approve all platelet transfusions. Prior to this approval, a platelet count must be performed on patient if one has not been done. For platelet count, see “Complete Blood Count (CBC) Without Differential, Blood” (CBC).

Ordering Information

CMV-Negative Platelets—enter “CMV-negative product requested” in comment field. Many experts consider leuko-reduced platelet pheresis units to be equivalent to CMV-negative platelet pheresis units.

Irradiated Platelets—enter “irradiated product requested” in comment field.

Pediatric Patients—enter the volume ordered in the comment field and call Transfusion Services at ext. 7395.

Note:

1. Call Transfusion Services to confirm all special requests. These special products may take up to 24 hours to procure from supplier.

2. Indicate number of units requested. Volumes range from 200 mL’s to 350 mL’s. A pheresis unit is equivalent to 6 to 10 units of random donor platelets.

3. Pheresis unit may or may not be the same blood type as the patient.

Transfusion Information

1. All pheresis units are leuko-reduced.

2. Do not refrigerate platelet pheresis prior to transfusion.

3. Expect platelet count to rise by 30-50,000 K/CMM per pheresis unit in an average sized adult.

4. If patient becomes refractory to repeated pheresis infusion, HLA matched platelets can be requested. The patient HLA type must be determined.  Call Transfusion Services (ext. 7395) to order this Blood Bank special test which has a 7-9 day turn around time.  HLA matched product is ordered from American Red Cross in Baltimore.

5. The patient identification armband must remain on the patient until infusion is complete. Red recipient armband is not required.  Any patient blood type can receive any blood type platelets.