ABSTRACT
Platelet transfusions are indicated for the prevention and treatment of haemorrhage in patients with thrombocytopenia or platelet function defects. Gamma-irradiated cellular blood components are used to prevent the occurrence of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. Blood components are those therapeutic constituents that can be prepared by centrifugation, filtration and freezing using conventional blood bank technology. Platelets should be administered through a fresh sterile standard blood administration set or platelet infusion set. The significance of this depends upon the volume and speed of transfusion, as well as the age of the blood. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative blood components remain the accepted means of preventing transfusion-transmitted CMV. Fresh-frozen plasma is produced from a single blood donation or from plasma collected by apheresis. Little difference has been found in clinical outcome, provided that adequate volumes of crystalloids are given and blood volume is maintained. Antithrombin III is stable in stored blood, but concentrates are needed if clinically significant deficiencies are to be treated effectively.
