SCD and Transfusion

Question 1

What does hydroxyurea do and what can this treat?

Answer 1

Induces production of HbF. It is used to manage SCD and can also help treat thalssaemia.

Question 2

Red cells- unit ratio, shelf life, storage, blood giving set.

Answer 2

1 unit from one donor. Shelf life 5 weeks, stored at 4 degrees C. Filtered through a blood giving set to remove clumps and debris. Poor recovery on thawing so rarely frozen.

Question 3

Fresh Frozen Plasma- unit ratio, dose shelf life, storage.

Answer 3

I unit from 1 donor= around 300ml. Dose is 12-15ml/kg so about 3 units needed for an average patient. Shelf life is 2 years if stored at -30 degrees C, stored within 6 hours of collecting. To administer, warm in a 37 degrees C water bath for 20-30 minutes and give within 1 hour.

Question 4

What are the indications for FFP?

Answer 4

Blleding and abnormal coagulation tests. Or for the reversal of warfarin action.

Question 5

Cryoprecipitate- how is it prepared and stored? Shelf life?

Answer 5

Prepared from the residue of frozen plasma that has thawed at 4-8 degrees C overnight. It has a shelf life of 2 years if stored at -30 degrees C (same as FFP)

Question 6

What are the indications for cryoprecipitate?

Answer 6

Massive bleeding and fibrinogen very low. Rarely hypofibrinaemia.