Can anyone tell me how your facility handles when a patient has a suspected transfusion reaction to platelets? What all is included as part of the reaction workup? Thanks!

For us it depends on the type of reaction. If they have hives, no workup. If low grade fever, minimal workup (DAT, etc.)

If they have chills, etc. or a more significant fever (over 102) we will do DAT and culture the bag.

If they had severe dyspnea, suggestive of TRALI, we'd ask our supplier to investigate.

Linda Frederick

We do about the same as bbirder.

We document the event and do at least a clerical check for anything, including hives. Our Medical Director might ask for cultures and a TRALI investigation, after talking with the clinician.