Platelet transfusion

Features

• Transfusion should be type specific b/c platelets are bathed in plasma
  • Non-type specific plts can be used but results in higher rate of complications
• Like pRBCs, plts can be leukocyte reduced or washed

Indications

• Plt count <10K in asymptomatic patients (unless due to ITP, TTP, or HIT)
• Plt count <15K with a coagulation disorder or minor bleeding
• Plt count <20K with major bleeding
• Plt count <50K with need for invasive procedure or surgery
• Plt count <100K with need for neurologic or cardiac surgery

Dose

• 1 unit raises count by 50K

See Also

• Transfusions
• Thrombocytopenia

Source

Tintinalli