I know there have been numerous Posts discussing what happens when a unit leaves the Transfusion Service; i.e.:

1. How long do we each allow it to be out (not in a cooler) and still take it

back?

2. How do we determine when something can come back (i.e. coolers; visual

inspection of platelets; temp. monitors; etc).

3. How does the FDA categorize Shipping vs. Storage.

So I am ok with my Facilitie's monitoring practices (and some changes I am considering) with relation to RBCs and Platelets. I would like to get a little more feedback though with regard to FFP. What do others do (i.e. do you have a time limit for return; do you use temp. monitors on plasma and put it in coolers for OR; etc).

Thanks,

Brenda Hutson, CLS(ASCP)SBB

We apply the same criteria to thaw plasma as we do to pack cells. We always take temperatures when units come back even if under the 30 minutes. I have found that it may not take long for the unit to fall outside the 10C shipping temperatures if they are not issued in a validated cooler. I have seen more this summer and part may be due to the extreme temperatures we are facing here.:cool:

Do you ever place FFP in a cooler (i.e. for OR) with temp. monitors? That is our biggest area of wastage; OR asking for the FFP when they are not ready for it (guess they just want it right by the patient "in case"), then sending it back > 30 mins. Wondering if anyone sends them in coolers with temp. monitors.

Thanks,

Brenda

We apply the same criteria to thaw plasma as we do to pack cells. We always take temperatures when units come back even if under the 30 minutes. I have found that it may not take long for the unit to fall outside the 10C shipping temperatures if they are not issued in a validated cooler. I have seen more this summer and part may be due to the extreme temperatures we are facing here.:cool:

We do send out FFP and RBCs in validated coolers.

Yes, we do send the FFP to OR n cooler to include a temperature monitor. If plasma is not transfused we can return it to our inventory and utilize for another patient within 24 hours of thaw

We are not as picky with the temp of FFP.

If issued shortly after thawing, coolers will never get the FFP down to storage temp of 1-6.

Coolers usually just maintain temp, not cool.

The fact that it expires in 24 hours anyway, we accept it back into inventory at any temp (<37)

We are not as picky with the temp of FFP.

If issued shortly after thawing, coolers will never get the FFP down to storage temp of 1-6.

Coolers usually just maintain temp, not cool.

The fact that it expires in 24 hours anyway, we accept it back into inventory at any temp (<37)

If you send your plasma out immediately after thawing it, you may want to be careful about putting it in a cooler with red cells. The warm plasma may warm any red cells that come into contact with it.

We store 5 day plasma, so our plasma is usually at temperature when we send it out and can support a temperature indicator and safely be placed in a cooler with blood. It then follows the same rules as blood for return.

If plasma leaves the blood bank warm, we use the 30 minutes guideline for return because it isn't "in temperature" to begin with. I have not done any studies to demonstrate that this is safe other than the 30 something years that we have followed this process and had no known side effects.

Oh, so you do not use the 5 day thawed plasma? We do, so we have a "good chance" of using it on "someone" provided it is returned in a re-usable state. You are correct about the FFP getting down to the cooler temp; but that is just assuming it is picked up as soon as it is thawed and has not been stored in the refrigerator a short time first. But your point is well taken.

Brenda

We are not as picky with the temp of FFP.

If issued shortly after thawing, coolers will never get the FFP down to storage temp of 1-6.

Coolers usually just maintain temp, not cool.

The fact that it expires in 24 hours anyway, we accept it back into inventory at any temp (<37)