The AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) recommends against infusing platelet transfusions through a blood warmer. Authors of a recent study investigated the basis for the recommendation. Based on this study, which of the following statements is most likely true?
The AABB recommends against passing platelet transfusions through a fluid warmer. However, this recommendation is not based on studies that show a problem with the practice so much as based on a lack of studies showing its safety. As aggressive platelet transfusion along with other procoagulant component therapy becomes a part of massive transfusion protocols associated with trauma and other hemorrhagic conditions, and as the consequences of hypothermia in the traumatized patient are recognized, it is worth querying whether the prohibition against warming platelet transfusions is warranted.
Investigators studied ten units of three-day-old platelets from the Central Blood Bank (Pittsburgh, PA). A control aliquot was sampled...
