Pediatric Platelet Volume Study
Pediatric Platelet Transfusions and the Discontinuation of the Production of CP2D Platelets LR in Saskatchewan
“Questions & Answers”
Why is Canadian Blood Services discontinuing the production of CP2D Platelets LR in Saskatchewan?
Canadian Blood Services is discontinuing the production of CP2D Platelets LR in Saskatchewan for the following reasons:
- to standardize component production around a single semi-automated production platform that brings improvements in process control
- to actively manage costs associated with excessive outdating of a specialized platelet product with a low national demand
What other options will Hospital Customers have for pediatric platelet transfusions when Canadian Blood Services discontinues the production of CP2D Platelets LR?
Canadian Blood Services will supply Hospital Customers with CPD Platelets, Pooled LR or Platelets Apheresis, LR which can be used to obtain aliquots for pediatric platelet transfusions.
What are common Hospital practices for obtaining aliquots for pediatric platelet transfusions?
Common Hospital practices for obtaining aliquots for pediatric platelet transfusions include:
- removing an aliquot with a sterile spike into a transfer pack
- removing an aliquot with a syringe
- sterile docking a transfer pack to the component and then removing an aliquot to obtain an appropriate volume of platelets for transfusion.
What has Canadian Blood Services done to assist Hospital Customers with this transition?
Canadian Blood Services has performed a study at our Development Laboratory (NetCAD) on the in vitro platelet quality in storage containers typically used by hospitals for pediatric transfusions. This study will provide Hospital customers with information to consider when evaluating/validating pediatric platelet transfusion practices or to support their current pediatric platelet transfusion practices.
- The study verified processes for obtaining platelet aliquots from Platelets Apheresis, LR components for pediatric transfusion by using gas-permeable transfer packs (eg. Fenwal PL 1240), non gas-permeable transfer packs (eg. Fenwal 4R2014) and syringes (50 mL or 60 mL) and assessed the quality of the platelet aliquots as they were stored over time
- “Canadian Blood Services - Summary of Validation Study – Project Report, In vitro Platelet Quality in Storage Containers Used for Pediatric Transfusions” is posted on our transfusion medicine website (www.transfusionmedicine.ca). A copy of the full Validation Study – Project Report can be obtained from your local Hospital Liaison Specialist.
Will Hospital Customers have to validate their own process for obtaining platelet aliquots from CPD Platelets, Pooled LR or Platelets Apheresis, LR components for pediatric transfusion?
Each Hospital is advised to evaluate their current pediatric transfusion practices and determine if changes to internal policies will be required with the discontinuation of the CP2D Platelets LR components as well as to assess validation requirements for their process.
Other resources
Download the validation study summary Technical Report, “In vitro Platelet Quality in Storage Containers Used for Pediatric Transfusions.” If you’d like to view the full Technical Report of the study, please contact your local Hospital Liaison Specialist
Related Customer Letters
- Customer Letter # 2010-30 Further Information to Pediatric Platelet Transfusions and the Discontinuation of the Production of CP2D Platelets LR in Saskatchewan
- Customer Letter # 2010-29 Implementation of Fenwal Collection Sets/Automated Production Method at Canadian Blood Services – Saskatchewan UPDATE (pdf)
- Customer Letter # 2010-22 Pediatric Platelet Transfusions and the Discontinuation of the Production of CP2D Platelets LR in Saskatchewan