The platelets used for pooling are from whole blood collected in a CPD anticoagulant. The platelet pooling is done with five intermediate platelets leukoreduced to reduce the number of leukocytes. Each final bag contains at least 2.4 x 1011 platelets suspended in the plasma of the five intermediate platelets that make up the pool, but with an average of 3.9 ± 0.5 x 1011 platelets per pool.

The platelet pools can contain a trace amount of residual red blood cells (rRBCs).

The average amount of rRBCs of the intermediate platelets is 6.6 ± 1.8 x 108 rRBCs per bag, which equates to roughly 40 ± 20 µL of rRBCs per bag, or a maximum value of 87 µL per bag. This rRBC amount for the pools is actually an overall average of the results obtained during the conducting of test protocols for all preparation programs. The colour is yellowish, but can vary from pink to a slight reddish hue. The platelet pools contain less than 5 x 1066 leukocytes per bag. In addition, each platelet pool bag is subjected to a bacterial culture test.

Action

The main role of platelets is to participate in blood clotting by forming an aggregate that blocks damaged vessel walls in order to treat or prevent bleeding.

Main indications

Transfusion of platelet pools to a recipient with thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, or hemorrhagic manifestations can control the bleeding or increase the platelet count (prophylactic transfusion).

Contraindications

Platelets are usually contraindicated in recipients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), unless the bleeding is endangering the recipient’s life.

Dosage and administration

The number of platelet pool bags to be administered depends on each recipient's condition. One platelet pool bag administered to a 70-kg adult should increase the platelet count from 30 to 60 x 109/L (from 30,000 to 60,000/µL) when a platelet count is taken 20 to 60 minutes after the transfusion in a patient not known for platelet refractoriness.

Due to the short life span of the platelets transfused, it is sometimes necessary to repeat the dose.

For pediatric needs, it's possible to connect a device with four satellite bags to the platelet pool bag using a sterile connection, enabling the hospital to divide up the required volume. A residual amount of 100 ml is needed in the parent bag in order to maintain adequate storage.

The rate of the platelet transfusion must be adjusted to the recipient’s clinical condition, and the transfusion must not go longer than four hours.

Storage

The platelet pool bags have a seven-day shelf life as indicated on the label.

The platelet pool bags must be stored between 20°C and 24°C with gentle, continuous agitation.

In the event of a discrepancy between the information on this page and what is in the Circular of information, the latter will take precedence.