Platelets

CarVsTree · Aug 11, 2006

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?

RN2B07 · Aug 11, 2006

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.

NYNewGrad · Aug 11, 2006

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.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2006

most places i've worked the bb combines 10 units of platelets together. i think you just got someone from the lab who was inexperienced or a jerk. report them. they should have been able to give you a precise answer if they were the one who put the platelets together. i daresay that the physician may have already lodged a complaint with someone in the lab if he is aware of how things in the hospital work. a medical technician is in charge of doing the bb work and the doc is aware they should know better.

here's a couple of links with information to refresh you that you might find helpful:

http://teach.lanecc.edu/nursingskills/blood/transfusionproducts.pdf -- a list of the different blood products available for transfusion

http://www.muw.edu/nursing/iv.htm - the last half of this document has information about the procedure of blood transfusion and transfusion reactions

IV-PUSH · Aug 18, 2006

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!

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Aug 18, 2006

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.