Platelets

Platelets, Pooled, Buffy Coat-Derived, Leukocyte-Depleted

• A pool of platelets, derived from buffy coats, which contains less than 1 × 10⁶ leucocytes
• Bleed time exceeding 15 minutes are not suitable for platelet production
• Initial separation of buffy coat must occur within 24 hours of venepuncture
• Prepare buffy coat at ambient temperature
• Suspend in a single unit of plasma
  • Plasma group O: test for high-titre anti-A and anti-B
  • ‘High-titre negative’ units labelled
  • Plasma from male donors only to reduce risk of TRALI
• Should be transfused through a 170–200 μm filter
• Labeling:
  • Platelets, Pooled, Buffy Coat Derived, Leucocyte Depleted* and volume
  • the blood component producer’s name*
  • a unique pool or batch number or the donation number of all contributing platelet units*
  • the ABO group*
  • the RhD group stated as positive or negative*
  • the expiry date*
  • the temperature of storage and a comment that continuous gentle agitation throughout storage is recommended
  • the blood pack lot number*
  • the name, composition and volume of the anticoagulant or additive solution.
  • In addition, the following statements should be made: INSTRUCTION – always check patient/component compatibility/identity. Inspect pack and contents for signs of deterioration or damage. Risk of adverse reaction/infection, including vCJD
• Storage: store at core temperature of 22±2°C with continuous gentle agitation for up to 5 days in a closed system. If storing up to 7 days: needs an assay to exclude bacterial contamination prior to transfusion, or application of a licensed pathogen inactivation procedure.
  • If produced in an open system, transfuse ASAP and within 6 hours (during this time store at core temperature of 22±2°C with continuous gentle agitation)
  • If agitation is interrupted, transfusion can be done if agitation is interrupted for no more than 24h total and each interruption is <8hrs
• Transport: containers should be equilibrated at room temperature. Temp of platelets should be kept as close as possible to recommended storage temperature during transport.

Platelets, Apheresis, Leucocyte-Depleted

• A single-donor platelet component containing less than 1 × 10⁶ leucocytes
• Must use validated apheresis protocol
• Other specifications same as pooled platelets

Platelets in Additive Solution, Leucocyte-Depleted

• A platelet concentrate derived from buffy coats or apheresis, which contains less than 1 × 10⁶ leucocytes and where the suspending medium is additive solution. This component is indicated for patients with reactions to plasma-containing components.