Highly Effective Model for Implementation of In-House Platelets in a Tertiary Veteran Hospital Setting Without a Trauma Center

Background Platelet products have a limited shelf life and are costly. Therefore, to balance clinical usage/availability and wastage in a tertiary hospital setting without a trauma center, an innovative system model was established. This system reduced wastage by transferring platelet unit approaching their expiration date to a nearby facility (with the same blood supplier and a trauma center) before expiration, when there is no anticipated need for the product at the original location. Methods A review of data to determine the degree of platelet wastage and wastage costs one year before implementation of this measure in October 2017 and one year after implementation of this measure. Results Since the implementation of this measure, no platelet units have expired on the shelf. In contrast, from October 2016 to October 2017, before implementation of platelet transfer, platelet products expired regularly. Conclusion This new system model is highly effective in maintaining platelet inventory without wastage.