Assessment of three point-of-care platelet function assays in adult trauma patients.

Background: Antiplatelet (AP) medication use is common among trauma patients and is associated with poor outcomes. Management options for platelet dysfunction in trauma patients are controversial, expensive, and potentially harmful. Although light transmission platelet aggregometry is considered the standard test to assess platelet function, it is cumbersome and not generally available.

A statewide teleradiology system reduces radiation exposure and charges in transferred trauma patients.

Background: Trauma transfer patients routinely undergo repeat imaging because of inefficiencies within the radiology system. In 2009, the virtual private network (VPN) telemedicine system was adopted throughout Oregon allowing virtual image transfer between hospitals. The startup cost was a nominal $3,000 per hospital.

Transfusion of cryopreserved packed red blood cells is safe and effective after trauma: a prospective randomized trial.

Objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of cryopreserved packed red blood cell (CPRBC) transfusion in trauma patients.

Background: Liquid packed red blood cells (LPRBCs) have an abbreviated shelf-life and worsening storage lesion with age. CPRBCs are frozen 2 to 6 days after donation, stored up to 10 years, and are available for 14 days after thawing and washing.