Hello,

How do you label platelets for NICU babies that are split into pedi-paks using a sterile docing device? We get our platelets from the German economy and while we don't use many for NICU we currently have babies who are in need of PLA1 neg platelets. We were told that we are labeling our pedi-paks wrong. We can get blood already split into pedi-paks from the German Red Cross. I guess another question is how, if in an emergency we need to use some from our shelf, would we label those pedi-paks? Or PRBCs from another German source? Thanks.

Kristine

I'm not sure if you mean labelling of the aliquots. If that is the case, our aliquots are given slash numbers. The number would be the unit number of the mother unit with a slash and the aliquot number. For example, if the mother unit is 13X12345 then the aliquot would be given the number 13X12345/1 for the first aliquot, 13X12345/2 for the next and so on. Our computer assigns the aliquot number. It is the same process for RBCs,platelets and plasma.

Our computer uses an suffix on the unit number to keep track of aliquots. Unit A is split into aliquot B & remainder C, then C is further split into aliquot E and remainder D, and so on.

Our NICU uses syringes, so we prefilter the aliquot for them, then slap on a syringe label with the appropriate information. Since the aliquot is not a licensed product and never leaves the facility, we print the syringe labels on our laser printer and use stock weatherproof labels from the local office supply store.

My question is how are you currently labeling them and who told you they were wrong? If you are talking about the label on the component, it should have the same information as the original except for an aliquot designation as discussed below. Be aware that your aliquot bags may not be appropriate for long term storage of platelets (even though you sterile dock them) because the plastic on rbc bags does not have the same gas exchange properties. The transfusion tag should be the same as for any other unit of platelets: identify the recipient (at least 2 forms of ID), identify the unit (number and component), date, person who set it up, and crossmatch result (in this case, "not required").

Hope this helps!

Is anybody using barcoded label for the spilt product? Is anybody using barcoded label for pooled product? If yes, how do you capture that product code for pooled product in the computer(cerner classic)??

Thanks