Washed red cells: theory and practice.

Washing of red cells is sometimes performed to reduce allergic reactions due to contaminating plasma proteins or to reduce the concentration of potassium accumulating in the supernatant of red cells during storage as an alternative to transfusion of fresher red cells in patients at risk of hyperkalaemia. There are a variety of methods for washing red cells, and the laboratory data suggest that variables such as age of red cell before washing, washing method and solution, storage medium and length of storage time after washing can all effect the final red cell quality. Studies suggest that washing removes 90-95% plasma, but the proportion of units below 0·05 mg/dl IgA (equivalent to IgA deficient) is variable dependent upon methods used.

Where do all the red blood cells (RBCs) go? Results of a survey of RBC use in England and North Wales in 2014.

Background: Knowledge of blood utilization can assist clinicians in directing patient blood management (PBM) initiatives and can facilitate demand planning by blood services. We describe a national study of red blood cell (RBC) utilization in England and North Wales in 2014.

Study Design And Methods: All hospitals that are supplied with blood components by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) were asked to provide data on the age and sex of all recipients of transfusions of RBCs, and the clinical indication for every unit transfused, for two separate weeks in 2014.

Where did platelets go in 2012? A survey of platelet transfusion practice in the North of England.

Objectives: To record the fate of transfused platelet doses in the North of England, and thereby assist with demand-planning and help target teaching on appropriate use.

Background: Platelet use has risen recently to the extent that donation practice has changed to meet demand. Two national comparative audits have shown inappropriate use and the 2010 audit concluded that current U.

Factors predisposing to wrong blood in tube incidents: a year's experience in the North East of England.

Introduction: Wrong blood in tube (WBIT) describes a transfusion sample collected from one patient but labelled with the identification details of a different patient. These incidents have the potential to result in catastrophic harm to patients. In 2011, the Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) organisation received 469 reports of WBIT across the UK.