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Transfusion Medicine Service 
Available Components
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The following blood components are routinely stocked by the Transfusion Medicine Service Laboratory
For additional details please refer to the Circular of Information for
the use of Human Blood and Blood Components which is published jointly by the
following organizations: the American Association of Blood Banks,
America's Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross.
Copies of this pamphlet may be obtained
by calling Transfusion Medicine Service Laboratory (5-7207).
Red Blood Cells (Adenine-Saline Added):
These units are either derived from donation of whole blood or
apheresis. The hematocrit is usually between 55-65 %.
Red Blood Cells (Leukocyte Reduced):
Derived from donation of whole blood (500 ml) into 67 ml of citrate-based anticoagulant. After centrifugation
and removal of as much plasma as possible, a saline based additive solution is added (AS-3) to the remaining
red cells. The resulting hematocrit is approximately 60%. In addition, the blood is filtered so as to
remove white blood cells (<5 E+6) are left. Leukocyte reduction should
not be used to prevent graft vs. host disease (GVHD). Reduction of
Leukocytes reduces risk of febrile reactions, HLA alloimmunization, and
CMV infection.
Plasma:
The necessary dosage of plasma is calculated on a weight
basis: 10 mL/kg for correction of coagulopathy.
Platelets:
Platelets collected by apheresis are the standard form of platelet utilized at this center. They
contain the equivalent of at least 6 units of platelet concentrates derived from whole blood donations.
The platelets are suspended in approximately 300 mL (i.e., one "unit") of plasma. An adult patient would
be expected to experience a platelet count increment of approximately 20-40,000/µL from a single transfusion. The
Transfusion Medicine Service includes this increment in its internal calculations for the patient's size and monitors all
transfusions for effectiveness. Patients appearing to become refractory are investigated further to ensure provision
of compatible platelets. Note: Patients expected to require ongoing platelet transfusion support should have their HLA
type determined prior to initiation of any chemotherapy.
Cryoprecipitate:
This component, derived from plasma, is most commonly used for augmentation of fibrinogen levels. The
dosage is calculated by the Transfusion Medicine Service according to the necessary increase in fibrinogen and
patient size; the adult dosage often involves exposure to 20 or 30 donor's blood. Multiple 10-unit pools
of cryoprecipitate are maintained frozen for rapid thawing and administration.
Albumin (Human):
Available in the following concentrations: 5%, 250 mL; 25%, 50 mL;
5%, 50 mL for pediatric use.
Coagulation Factor Concentrates:
*Granulocytes
*Red Blood Cells, Deglycerolized
Rho(D) Immune Globulin
- Both standard (300 microgram) and micro (50 microgram) doses available.
- Rho(D) Immune Globulin formulated for IV use is also available
- Evaluation of candidacy and responsibility for ordering this product remains that of the attending Health Care Practitioner.
*Consultation with Transfusion Medicine Service Pathologist is required.
Specialized Components
NOTE:
Component restrictions are automatically placed in the laboratory's computer system based
on the patient's location and/or diagnosis. However, to ensure that the required component is being prepared,
it is recommended that the necessary special handling be specified in the transfusion order
as well.
Leukocyte-reduction:
Units with reduced leukocytes (<5 E+6/unit) may be beneficial in delaying HLA alloimmunization
and refractoriness to platelet transfusions, avoiding febrile reactions, and reducing the
potential for CMV infection through transfusion. Leukoreduction of Red Blood Cells is usually
accomplished in the laboratory by special filtration; most apheresis platelet units can be considered
leukoreduced by their method of collection. A "regular" 170 micron filter (blood administration set)
should still be used at transfusion for both leukoreduced red cells and platelets.
CMV risk reduced:
Leukocyte reduction is the method used for reducing the risk of CMV infection transmission
in susceptible patients.
Irradiation:
Gamma irradiation of cellular components is used to prevent donor lymphocyte proliferation
following transfusion in certain immunosuppressed patients and the development of post-transfusion
graft versus host disease.
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