Platelet transfusion survey in a regional blood program.

We studied the pattern of use of platelets stored at 4 C. About half of 2,168 platelet concentrates were transfused to achieve hemostasis in 360 transfusion episodes. More than half of the platelet concentrates were given during the second and third day after collection. Of 164 prophylactic transfusion episodes including 44 plateletpheresis packs, 74 percent were given to patients with leukemia. Reactions to platelet transfusion occurred in about 4 per cent of the transfusion episodes. Considering our survey findings, the generally accepted properties of cold stored platelets and the capabilities and limitations of this blood bank, we plan to continue to store platelets at 4 C.