Platelet Transfusion

Platelet transfusion is a procedure in which you receive donated platelets through an IV. Platelets are tiny pieces of blood cells. When you get an injury, platelets clump together in the area to form a blood clot.

This helps stop bleeding and is the beginning of the healing process. If you have too few platelets, your blood may have trouble clotting. This may cause you to bleed and bruise very easily.

You may need a platelet transfusion if you have a condition that causes a low number of platelets (thrombocytopenia). A platelet transfusion may be used to stop or prevent excessive bleeding.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any reactions you have had during previous transfusions.
• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Fever.
• Infection.
• Allergic reaction to the donor platelets.
• Your body’s disease-fighting system (immune system) attacking the donor platelets (hemolytic reaction). This is rare.
• A rare reaction that causes lung damage (transfusion-related acute lung injury).

What happens before the procedure?

Medicines

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

General instructions

• You will have a blood test to determine your blood type. Your blood type determines what kind of platelets you will be given.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to a transfusion in the past, you may be given medicine to help prevent a reaction.
• Your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored.

What happens during the procedure?

• An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
• For your safety, two health care providers will verify your identity along with the donor platelets about to be infused.
• A bag of donor platelets will be connected to your IV. The platelets will flow into your bloodstream. This usually takes 30–60 minutes.
• Your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored during the transfusion. This helps detect early signs of any reaction.
• You will also be monitored for other symptoms that may indicate a reaction, including chills, hives, or itching.
• If you have signs of a reaction at any time, your transfusion will be stopped, and you may be given medicine to help manage the reaction.
• When your transfusion is complete, your IV will be removed.
• Pressure may be applied to the IV site for a few minutes to stop any bleeding.
• The IV site will be covered with a bandage (dressing).

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and breathing will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.
• You may have some bruising and soreness at your IV site.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Talk with your health care provider before you take any medicines that contain aspirin or NSAIDs. These medicines increase your risk for dangerous bleeding.

General instructions

• Change or remove your dressing as told by your health care provider.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you may take showers.
• Check your IV site every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Fluid or blood. If fluid or blood drains from your IV site, use your hands to press down firmly on a bandage covering the area for a minute or two. Doing this should stop the bleeding.
  • Warmth.
  • Pus or a bad smell.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if you have:

• A headache that does not go away with medicine.
• Hives, rash, or itchy skin.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Signs of infection at your IV site.

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• You urinate less often than usual.
• Your urine is darker colored than normal.
• You have any of the following:
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Pain in your back, abdomen, or chest.
  • Cool, clammy skin.
  • A fast heartbeat.

Summary

• Platelets are tiny pieces of blood cells that clump together to form a blood clot when you have an injury. If you have too few platelets, your blood may have trouble clotting.
• A platelet transfusion is a procedure in which you receive donated platelets through an IV.
• A platelet transfusion may be used to stop or prevent excessive bleeding.
• After the procedure, check your IV site every day for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, pain, or warmth.