Current transfusion therapy: indications for basic components.

OBJECTIVE

To review basic blood components and currently acceptable transfusion practices.

DATA SOURCES

Professional journals, current texts, and the author's experience.

STUDY SELECTION

Not applicable.

DATA EXTRACTION

Not applicable.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Red blood cells, platelets, cryoprecipitate, and fresh-frozen plasma are the basic blood components ordered daily in hospitals and transfusion services all over the world. To notify the laboratory medical director of inappropriate orders for components, the clinical laboratory scientist must be aware of currently acceptable transfusion practices. This article reviews these four components and indicates acceptable processing methods and appropriate use.

CONCLUSION

Considering the known risk factors of blood and blood component transfusions, it is essential that components be used only when necessary. Criteria for appropriate transfusion have changed over the years; old transfusion triggers are no longer acceptable. To provide the best medical care to the patient, the clinical laboratory scientist must stay abreast of currently acceptable transfusion practices.