Hi All,

We are setting up an MTP for our OB Department which includes plasma. I would like some opinions on the return of unused plasma originally sent in a cooler with ice (ie 1-6 C). Are you discarding it upon return after 30 min.? As it seems taking the temperature might be an issue if having just thawed it at 37, we use Safe-T-Vue's temp tags on RBC's but again this won't work for just thawed plasma put into a cooler. Does anyone have a separate protocol for plasma return?

Thanks.

Our process for MTPs involves using a manual "Emergency Release Form" where documentation of the physician ordering the emergency release of products signs as well as capture of transfusion documentation (Y/N and start/end times).  If products are returned, we have a statement at the bottom of the form that states "I certify the returned units have been maintained at appropriate storage temperature as packed by the Blood Bank and are safe to reissue for transfusion."; which is signed by an individual that was in the room during the protocol. 

 

As long as this is signed, we will return the plasma for use but we still take a manual temperature of the products upon return just to be sure and use some judgment.  For instance, if a cooler has been out for hours and the plasma is still warm, then that gets quarantined and discarded.   

 

We are fortunate as well that we keep approximately 12 units of plasma thawed at all times and generally the first 2 MTP coolers issued have plasma that has been in the refrigerator and already at appropriate temperature.  

 

Lisa   

our policy in the MTP Protocol regarding FFP , if it was issued and returned after 30 minutes it will be discarded but if less than 30 minutes we will use it for transfusion with 24 hours.

 

If the FFP was thawed but was not released or it was not taken, it will be used for other patient and extend the expiry to 5 days.

 

Thanks 

This topic has been addressed recently in another thread somewhere, but there isn't really a difference between thawed plasma being placed in a cooler with ice and in a refrigerator.  In both instances it starts at whatever temp it comes out of the thawer at and cools to the temperature of it's surroundings.  I like the statement Lisa has on her form, and as long as the plasma is returned at acceptable temperature, I see no reason to discard it.

Our process for MTPs involves using a manual "Emergency Release Form" where documentation of the physician ordering the emergency release of products signs as well as capture of transfusion documentation (Y/N and start/end times).  If products are returned, we have a statement at the bottom of the form that states "I certify the returned units have been maintained at appropriate storage temperature as packed by the Blood Bank and are safe to reissue for transfusion."; which is signed by an individual that was in the room during the protocol. 

 

As long as this is signed, we will return the plasma for use but we still take a manual temperature of the products upon return just to be sure and use some judgment.  For instance, if a cooler has been out for hours and the plasma is still warm, then that gets quarantined and discarded.   

 

We are fortunate as well that we keep approximately 12 units of plasma thawed at all times and generally the first 2 MTP coolers issued have plasma that has been in the refrigerator and already at appropriate temperature.  

 

Lisa   

Hi Lisa,

 

what blood type of plasma do you have thawed?

We don't currently use coolers, so all returned thawed plasma is discarded because it would never fit our return temp criteria.