We are using syringes from Charter Medical. Because they include a luer lock, even if they are sterile docked, they are considered an open system. Not sure if other syringes have the same setup.

The most common platelet "discussion" nowadays is the order for 10 platelets. Okay doc, do you mean one adult dose of 10 pooled platelets or, god help us, 10 actual full doses of platelets.

Then, regardless of that answer, a nurse will call saying the pooled bag says that it is a pool of four - so where are the other six?

We use the "Open System" E code that corresponds to the "closed system" E code of the original product. For example, E0181 (RED BLOOD CELLS|CPD/500mL/refg|ResLeu:<5log6) keeps the same E Code when divided in a closed system. It just gets the appropriate division characters. If aliquots are prepared in a syringe the E code becomes E0175 (RED BLOOD CELLS|CPD/500mL/refg|Open|ResLeu:<5log6) with appropriate division characters. For each E code that could be aliquoted we searched the ICBBA data base for the same description but “open”.

Thank you Sandy, I think that will give us the bread trail to find the code we need.

Wouldn't this be a divide of a unit? Product code with A0, B0, C0, D0...up to 26 instances?

That would be the instinctual answer, but apparently we need a code that specifies syringe aliquots from pedipak aliquots. There will be differing expiration dates and times since syringes are always considered an open system whereas pedipaks can and usually are sterile docked and carry the original expiration.

Does anyone know of a ISBT code specific for syringes. We aliquot RBC and FFP into syringes for pediatric transfusion and are searching for the specific ISBT code. Any help appreciated.

Patient history is an art form to some extent. I can't tell you how many times the patient who has never "received RhIG" will mention getting a "vitamin shot" at the OB clinic.