Blood bank to stock cold storage platelets

Test of change starts Dec. 15 as part of trauma packs

Starting Dec. 15, Salem Hospital Blood Bank will stock a limited amount of cold storage platelets (CSPs) for use in certain situations. CSPs are FDA-approved to treat active bleeding when conventional platelets are unavailable. CSPs exist in an activated state, which means they are excellent at forming clots but have a shorter half-life in vivo. CSPs have an extended shelf life of 14 days and will help ensure a more stable platelet inventory for bleeding patients.

Test of Change details

• Initially, CSPs will only be transfused as a part of a trauma pack, which ensures that the product is being used in accordance with the FDA guidelines.
• CSPs will be added to trauma packs in place of room temperature platelets as inventory allows.
• There are no sex or age restrictions for the transfusion of CSPs.

To learn more, watch the Dec. 2 Grand Rounds, From room temperature to refrigeration (Salem Health intranet access required).

Questions?

Contact Andrew Judd, MD, at andrew.judd@salemhealth.org or Jenny Clow, Laboratory Manager, at jenny.clow@salemhealth.org.