Transfusion Medicine
Dondi Dahlgaard, DVM, CritiCare Director

In the ICU we utilize blood products frequently and thought you might like to
know the guidelines we follow. Products that supply red blood cells include
fresh whole blood, stored whole blood, and packed red blood cells. Products
that supply hemostatic proteins include fresh whole blood, fresh-frozen
plasma, and cryoprecipitate. Products that supply platelets include fresh
whole blood, and platelet-rich plasma. These should be utilized according to
the following guidelines:

* For treating hemorrhagic shock, the maximum dosage and rate is 22ml/kg/hr.

**A unit of platelet rich plasma will raise the platelet count 1 hour after
transfusion by approximately 10,000/l. It is important to note that patients
with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia will typically destroy transfused
platelets rapidly. All of these products are administered very slowly at
first so as to observe any adverse reactions then are given at the prescribed
rate. 1 mg/lb of Benadryl can be administered 30 minutes prior to
transfusing but is not mandatory as it is not documented to prevent adverse
reactions. If you would like information about stocking these products for
your own hospital, you can call any of the following suppliers:         

HEMOPET (714) 252-8455        
Animal Blood Bank Hotline (800) 243-5759        
Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank (800) 949-3822         
Midwest Animal Blood Services (517) 851-8244

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