Blood products

Question 1

Packed red cells

Answer 1

Used for transfusion in chronic anaemia and cases where infusion of large volumes of fluid may result in cardiovascular compromise. Product obtained by centrifugation of whole blood.

Question 2

Platelet rich plasma

Answer 2

Usually administered to patients who are thrombocytopaenic and are bleeding or require surgery. It is obtained by low speed centrifugation.

Question 3

Platelet concentrate

Answer 3

Prepared by high speed centrifugation and administered to patients with thrombocytopaenia.

Question 4

Fresh frozen plasma

Answer 4

Prepared from single units of blood.
Contains clotting factors, albumin and immunoglobulin.
Unit is usually 200 to 250ml.
Usually used in correcting clotting deficiencies in patients with hepatic synthetic failure who are due to undergo surgery.
Usual dose is 12-15ml/Kg-1.
It should not be used as first line therapy for hypovolaemia.

Question 5

Cryoprecipitate

Answer 5

Formed from supernatant of FFP.
Rich source of Factor VIII and fibrinogen.
Allows large concentration of factor VIII to be administered in small volume.

Question 6

SAG-Mannitol Blood

Answer 6

Removal of all plasma from a blood unit and substitution with:
Sodium chloride
Adenine
Anhydrous glucose
Mannitol

Up to 4 units of SAG M Blood may be administered. Thereafter whole blood is preferred. After 8 units, clotting factors and platelets should be considered.