Frequency and characteristics of coagulopathy in trauma patients treated with a low- or high-plasma-content massive transfusion protocol.

A massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in which most non-RBC transfusions were laboratory result-driven was updated to a 1:1:1 RBC/plasma/platelet formula-driven protocol. Platelet count, fibrinogen level, and prothrombin time (PT) were monitored. In the patients who survived the first 12 hours, the results of coagulation tests were analyzed.

The American Red Cross donor hemovigilance program: complications of blood donation reported in 2006.

Background: The American Red Cross (ARC) initiated a comprehensive donor hemovigilance program in 2003. We provide an overview of reported complications after whole blood (WB), apheresis platelet (PLT), or automated red cell (R2) donation and analyze factors contributing to the variability in reported complication rates in our national program.

Study Design And Methods: Complications recorded at the collection site or reported after allogeneic WB, apheresis PLT, and R2 donation procedures in 36 regional blood centers in 2006 were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Noninfectious complications of blood transfusion.

Context: Serious noninfectious complications are far more likely to occur than viral disease transmission from blood component transfusion.

Objective: To compile a comprehensive list of the noninfectious risks of transfusion, examples of published risk estimates, and summaries of recent information regarding cause, prevention, or management of noninfectious transfusion risks.

Data Sources: Information was obtained from peer-reviewed English-language medical journal publications since 1990.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury surveillance (2003-2005) and the potential impact of the selective use of plasma from male donors in the American Red Cross.

Background: American Red Cross surveillance data on transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) fatalities were analyzed to evaluate the association with components from donors with white blood cell (WBC) antibodies and to examine the potential impact of the selective transfusion of plasma from male donors.

Study Design And Methods: Suspected TRALI reports in 2003 through 2005 were identified and all fatalities were reviewed and classified by three physicians as "probable TRALI" or of "unrelated etiology," with independent review of the associated serologic investigation. Hospital investigational and reporting biases could not be fully controlled in this retrospective study.

Detection of bacterial contamination in apheresis platelet products: American Red Cross experience, 2004.

Background: Routine quality control (QC) testing for bacterial contamination in apheresis platelet (PLT) products was implemented in all 36 regional blood centers of the American Red Cross in March 2004.

Study Design And Methods: PLT samples were cultured under aerobic conditions until the end of the product shelf life or when a positive reaction was indicated. To confirm the initial positive reaction, a new sample was taken from the unit for reculturing.