blood

[sweetieann]

Just a quick question:

I know you have to use a filter and all of that...but can PRBC and plates be given through a peripheral IV, or must it always be a central line? Thanks!

[TazziRN, RN]

Periph line is okay as long as it's large bore, at least a 20, pref 18 or 16.

[crysobrn]

We give thru a peripheral but our protocol is an 18ga. For peds or babies we go smaller though.

[purple_rose_3]

In my facility it needs to be a 20 or larger.

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

Prefer #20 or bigger.

But I've given blood through 22s....

Sometimes, you can't pick and choose. If all you can shove into a patient is a 22, well, 22 it is then!

cheers,

PS: Don't forget - you shouldn't use PUMPS to infuse PLATELETS!

[ERRNTraveler, RN]

When I used to work in peds, we used to give blood via pump into 24's- obviously, the biggest line you can get is the best, but if it's a baby, a 24 will work.

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

In peds we give blood through 22ga but can give through 24ga if necessary. We always use a pump.

[jnrsmommy]

Prefer #20 or bigger.

But I've given blood through 22s....

Sometimes, you can't pick and choose. If all you can shove into a patient is a 22, well, 22 it is then!

cheers,

PS: Don't forget - you shouldn't use PUMPS to infuse PLATELETS!

Just curious, why isn't a pump used for platelets? I've always given them wide open, but never thought about why we don't use a pump.

[ERRNTraveler, RN]

When I worked in peds we gave platelets on a pump, cuz everything needs to be on a pump in peds. Ideally, in adults, you don't use a pump because there is the possibility of the pump damaging the platelet cells.