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Old Thu Jul 22, 2010, 11:23 AM
BBTALKER BBTALKER is offline
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 5
needle sizes are fairly standardized. It is best to use a larger core needle, so as not to hemolyze the red cells as they pass through the needle. In Pediatrics, it is sometimes difficult to use this size, so a 22g needle is more likely to be utilized. When utilized it is best to run the transfusion more slowly, so thhe red cells pass without any turbulence in the catheter.
Infision rates vary widely. The unitial rate of transfusion is always slower, so the transfusionist may recognize any adverse effects. Typically this can be anywhere from 100-120ml /hour. It is important to note that severe reactions can occur wiith infusion of 10mls of blood, hence the slow rate. Once the 15 minute vitals are taken and the patient oes not experience any adverse event or syptoms, the rate can be increased . The unit needs to be infused less than 4 hours from the release from the blood bank or transfusion service. This is to combat bacterial growth when the blood is at room temp.. As far as platelet color, there is sometimes a greenish pigment to the platelt bag .This is ususlly a pigment and does not effect the platelts or the transfusion. Sometimes there is some red cell contamination. This too is OK, as long as the unit does not contain a trmendous amount of red cells. The bag size is typically 50 ml as a concentrate or 250-300 mls as a single donor unit. Each should raise the platelt count a specific amount.
Best of Luck
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