Blood product transfusion

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

• Blood product transfusion products are human sources, and given only when there is no safer alternative available

Question 2

What are the different forms:

Answer 2

o Red cells
Packed cells with plasma removed

o Platelet

o Fresh frozen plasma
Produced from freezing plasma within 6 hours of donation to preserve all coagulation factors

o Cryoprecipitate
Produced from thawing FFP overnight in 4 degrees Celsius
Concentrated form of fibrinogen, factor 8, vWf, factor 13 and fibronectin

o Prothrombin complex concentrate: concentration of factors II, IX and X – used to treat bleeding in haemophilia B

Question 3

What are the indications for red cells:

Answer 3

Anaemia

Bleeding

Question 4

What are the indications for FFP:

Answer 4

o Bleeding and abnormal coagulation tests (PT, APTT)
o Reversal of warfarin e.g. for urgent surgery
o Warfarin overdose
o Liver disease
o TTP

Question 5

What are the indications for cryoprecipitate:

Answer 5

o Massive bleeding with very low fibrinogen

o Hypofibrinogenaemia

Question 6

What are the indications for platelets:

Answer 6

o	Bone marrow failure patients
o	Massive bleeding
o	DIC
o	Surgery in patient with low platelets
o	Reversal of anti platelet drugs for urgent surgery

Question 7

Early complications:

Answer 7

o	Acute haemolytic reactions
o	Anaphylaxis
o	Bacterial contamination
o	Febrile reactions
o	Allergic reactions
o	Fluid overload 
o	Transfusion related acute lung injury

Question 8

Delayed complications:

Answer 8

o Infections
o Iron overload
o GVHD
o Post transfusion purpura