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Platelet transfusion: The effects of a fluid warmer on platelet function
Author(s) -
Mattson Melissa K.,
Groves Cory,
Smith Mark M.,
Christensen Jon M.,
Chen Dong,
Stubbs James R.,
Karon Brad S.,
Nuttall Gregory A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.16139
Subject(s) - thromboelastography , platelet , medicine , apheresis , whole blood , anesthesia , thrombelastography
Background Platelet (PLT) transfusions are an important component of hemostatic resuscitation. The AABB has published several guidelines recommending that PLT units should not be infused through blood warming devices. Study Design and Methods Thirty‐one units of hospital blood bank apheresis PLTs were obtained. PLT‐rich plasma (PRP) aggregometry and thromboelastography (TEG) were performed on the unit samples before and after the units were infused through a Ranger blood/fluid warming device. Results There were no differences in any of the aggregometry results before and after infusion of the PLTs through the blood warmer (all P > .32). There was a significant reduction in the TEG maximum amplitude (MA) of 69.8 ± 7.9 mm before and 66.0 ± 8.8 mm after ( P < .001) infusion of the PLTs through the blood warmer and α angle 61.8 ± 9.4° before and 59.3 ± 8.2° after ( P = .044) infusion of the PLTs through the blood warmer, although both mean values were within normal range for the TEG and not clinically significant. There were very good correlations of aggregometry and TEG results before and after infusion of the PLTs through the blood warmer device. Conclusion This study did not demonstrate significant deleterious effect on PLT function from infusing apheresis PLT units through a blood warming device by PRP aggregometry. We did detect a statistically significant—but not clinically significant—reduction in TEG MA and α angle. The prohibition of transfusing PLT units though the Ranger blood warming device is not indicated.