SELECTION OF PLATELET DONOR UNITS

1. Appropriate components for transfusion based on

patient ABO-Rh and antibody history.

Component R e c i p i e n t First Acceptable Rationale

ABO Option Alternative
Group
P o o l e d O O A  B  AB Transfuse ABO
platelet or A A AB  B  O S p e c i c , i f
apheresis B B AB  A  O possible.
platelet or AB AB ABO
cryoprecipitat All ABO groups
es are acceptable
except for
neonates.

2. Platelets shall be ABO compatible with the recipient’s

plasma and don’t need to be crossmatched since they
contain <2 mL red cells.

3. The decision to switch to Rh positive platelets is

made by a Blood Bank attending physician and
communicated to the clinical service.

4. The decision to switch ABO type in platelets is made

by a fully trained and competent transfusion laboratory
technologist in charge.

5. When switching, inform primary nurse or shift lead

nurse and note in laboratory information system (LIS).
fi
Record the nurse’s complete name, employee ID
number, time, date and include your initials as the caller.