Leaderboard

We would issue with 15 minutes left on the type and screen. And, per the AABB's 2010 Ask the FDA and CLIA Transcript: Question 34: The Circular of Information, for the Use of Human Blood and Blood Components, in the Instructions for Use section, item number 13 states: "Transfusion should be started before component expiration and (be) completed within 4 hours." What is the FDA's interpretation with regard to this instruction? For example, is it acceptable to start a component at 23:45 on the expiration date and allow the unit to be transfused for 4 hours (until 03:45 the next morning)? MS. CIARALDI: Our regulations in 606.122 state that administration should start within four hours of entering the product. To us, this means that transfusion must be started within the shelf life of the unit. The length of time to hang a unit, specified in the Circular of Information, is four hours. We are aware that this may sometimes result in the transfusion ending after the unit has expired; however, we do not object to this practice.