transfusing platelets - an unanswered question

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Hello, everyone!

I recently transfused platelets for the first time, and I have a question. Why is it necessary to hang the platelets within 30 minutes of receiving them from the blood bank? I know that this is a general rule for blood products, and that RBCs do start to degenerate after 2 hours outside refridgeration. Is there a similar reason for platelets? I have been unable to find any information.

The only reason I can come up with is that if the patient no longer needs the platelets, they can be refridgerated for another patient's use if returned within

30 minutes.

Does anyone have any other information?

Thanks,

RN in GA

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Hello, everyone!

I recently transfused platelets for the first time, and I have a question. Why is it necessary to hang the platelets within 30 minutes of receiving them from the blood bank? I know that this is a general rule for blood products, and that RBCs do start to degenerate after 2 hours outside refridgeration. Is there a similar reason for platelets? I have been unable to find any information.

The only reason I can come up with is that if the patient no longer needs the platelets, they can be refridgerated for another patient's use if returned within

30 minutes.

Does anyone have any other information?

Thanks,

RN in GA

My guess is they become more susceptible to micro-organisms the longer that they are out.

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I hope you do not mind me posting in this forum as I am neither a nurse nor a nursing student :rolleyes: The reason I used to know was the platelets' tendency to clot. In order to prevent the clotting, they are put on a rotating tray in the blood bank and they should also be gently rotated on the ward until you hang them. Hope this helps. :) Magdalena

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

All blood products should be started within 30 minutes.

Platelets should be infused rapidly after the initial safety check of vital signs (at 5-15 minutes depending on policy), otherwise they tend to clot off the line.

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I hope you do not mind me posting in this forum as I am neither a nurse nor a nursing student :rolleyes: The reason I used to know was the platelets' tendency to clot. In order to prevent the clotting, they are put on a rotating tray in the blood bank and they should also be gently rotated on the ward until you hang them. Hope this helps. :) Magdalena

exactlly!

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