Donor survey to assess facial flushing during automated red cell collections and medication use.

Background: We conducted a donor survey to assess the occurrence of facial flushing and other symptoms during automated 2-U red cell collections (2RBC) and plateletpheresis (PLT) procedures and evaluated the possible association of the reactions with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or with the collection technology.

Methods: An online survey was developed using Zoomerang to capture details of the donors' experience and medication use after 2RBC or PLT donations in regional blood centers of the American Red Cross.

Results: Between 12/16/09 and 4/19/10, 1,299 donors in five American Red Cross blood center regions completed an online survey (739 2RBC, 4.

Evidence-based practice guidelines for plasma transfusion.

Background: There is little systematically derived evidence-based guidance to inform plasma transfusion decisions. To address this issue, the AABB commissioned the development of clinical practice guidelines to help direct appropriate transfusion of plasma.

Study Design And Methods: A systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of randomized and observational studies was performed to quantify known benefits and harms of plasma transfusion in common clinical scenarios (see accompanying article).

Platelet function testing to assess effectiveness of platelet transfusion therapy.

Background: Posttransfusion corrected count increments (CCI) following administration of platelets is the standard method for assessing effectiveness of platelet transfusion therapy. However, improvement in platelet count following transfusion may not necessarily indicate improvement in platelet function or restoration of primary hemostatic capacity. To address this possibility, we investigated the effectiveness of platelet transfusion based on results of the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA-100) and post-transfusion CCI.

Plasmapheresis in the dysproteinemias.

The dysproteinemias consist of a broad range of serious disease states with the common thread of excessive production of an abnormal, or para-protein. Various clinical syndromes may arise, either from the underlying disease process, the excess paraprotein, or both. Clinical presentation depends upon the organ system(s) affected by the abnormal protein.