Transfusion
-
Massive transfusion protocol (MTP) utilization and makeup is unknown. ⋯ Most centers have a MTP. Protocols are variable and new, and half have a 1:1 FFP : RBC ratio. Protocols with fewer initial units of FFP compared to RBCs maintain this.
-
Nucleic acid testing (NAT) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) was introduced for blood donation screening in the United States in 1999. This study analyzes temporal trends of these two infections since NAT introduction. ⋯ HCV prevalence decreased significantly since NAT introduction. The increase in HIV and HCV incidence in 2007 through 2008 warrants continued monitoring and investigation.
-
Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
The effect of plasma transfusion on morbidity and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Plasma transfusion is increasingly performed without clear consensus on indications. We systematically reviewed the literature to summarize the available evidence regarding the benefits and harms of plasma transfusion in common clinical settings. ⋯ Very-low-quality evidence suggests that plasma infusion in the setting of massive transfusion for trauma patients may be associated with a reduction in the risk of death and multiorgan failure. A survival benefit was not demonstrated in most other transfusion populations.
-
Little information exists on the specific transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) risk reduction practices used by multiple blood collecting institutions in the United States. ⋯ Almost 3 years after the publication of the initial AABB bulletin on this issue, TRALI risk reduction strategies are commonly employed at most US blood centers. However, procedures are not uniform.
-
The sensitivity of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay detecting bacteria in platelet concentrates (PCs) was improved by detection of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in addition to DNA. The real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assay was compared with the BacT/ALERT culturing system (bioMérieux) to determine its value for routine screening of PCs for bacterial contamination. ⋯ The sensitivity of the PCR assay was improved by detection of rRNA. A spiking study demonstrated the advantage of late sampling for PCR testing compared to early sampling for culturing with the BacT/ALERT system. A real-time RT-PCR assay that is performed on PCs during storage or shortly before transfusion can be a good alternative to culturing methods.