Platelets

I had to do a platelet transfusion yesterday...pt. had lab value of 23,000. So I called the blood bank at 2300, they informed me it would be ready around 0600 or 0700, they would call me when ready. Well I thought that was an extremely long time. The order read Transfuse 10 units of platelets X 2. BB called at 0710 to say it was ready..of course, right before shift change. Also MD came in at the same time, furious that an order from last pm was only being started now. I explained about BB, still furious. I ran downstairs to pick up the platelets, of course, a great time for a fire drill! :angryfire The bag didnt state how many units were in the bag. When I questioned lab, they said it was a guesstimate of anywhere between 6-10 units...any there was one more bag. I was so confused on how many I needed if they had a rough estimate. Any advice or info much needed!

I'm sorry, I don't know what you question is?

Was the order correct was it 10 x 2 or should it have been 1 x 2? What ended up happening?

Just questioning whether a rough estimate of 6-10 units per bag sounded right. Not questioning the order. The next nurse came on and she said she would find out and start the transfusion. Then I was off, so I am not sure.

BB should tell you if that bag contains the ordered 10 units.

When I have an order for 10 units of platelets, BB often sends up one or two bags total. I then call 'em up and specifically ask if there are 5 units of platelets in each bag. They make the bag, they have to be able to answer how many units are in the bag.

Maybe this will help some..most platlets come as pheresis platelets these days to reduce donor exposure. 1 pheresis is roughly equal to a six pack of plaelets...if you get an order for a six pack of platlets..one pheresis covers you....just look on the bag it will say "pheresis" on it..as opposed to pooled which is when they actaully take 6 small bags of platlets and combime them to make your "six pack"

In response to taking 6-8 hours or what ever to get you the platelets...that is ridiculous...the only excuse there is for the delay is they were too low and were waiting for the Am delivery before they would send any out to patients who were not actively bleeding..and they should have relayed this to you..if they are in stock a platelet can be ready to go in 5 min tops!

Yeah - sounds like you were dealing with single donor/pheresis platelets. The number of units varies a little from bag to bag. In my experience though, I would say that most platelet units are still random/pooled as opposed to pheresis. Some patients and providers prefer single donor platelets, but studies aren't 100% convincing that they are better.