Name of the Procedure:

Platelets, Pheresis, Pathogen-Reduced, Each Unit (P9073)

• Common Names: Platelet transfusion, Pathogen-reduced platelets
• Medical Terms: Platelet pheresis, Pathogen reduction technology (PRT)

Summary

Platelets from a donor are collected via apheresis—a process that separates platelets from other blood components—and are then treated to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. These treated platelets are subsequently transfused into a patient to help with blood clotting.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Used to treat patients with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), bleeding disorders, or to prepare patients for certain surgeries.
• Expected Outcomes: To increase platelet counts and promote normal blood clotting, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding.

Indications

• Specific Symptoms or Conditions: Low platelet count, leukemia, lymphoma, severe trauma, or undergoing chemotherapy that affects bone marrow.
• Patient Criteria: Low platelet levels, history of bleeding, or prophylactic use before major surgical procedures.

Preparation

• Instructions for Patient: No fasting generally required. Inform the healthcare provider about any ongoing medications, particularly anticoagulants.
• Diagnostic Tests: Complete blood count (CBC) to determine platelet levels, blood typing, and crossmatching to ensure compatibility.

Procedure Description

1. Apheresis: Platelets are collected from a donor via apheresis, a procedure where blood is drawn and platelets are separated from other components.
2. Pathogen Reduction: Collected platelets are treated using specific technologies (e.g., UV light and chemicals) to inactivate potential pathogens.
3. Transfusion: The treated platelet unit is transfused into the patient's bloodstream via an intravenous (IV) line.

• Tools and Equipment: Apheresis machine, pathogen reduction technology devices, IV equipment.
• Anesthesia/Sedation: None typically required.

Duration

The platelet pheresis and pathogen reduction process may take a few hours. The transfusion itself usually takes 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

Setting

Generally performed in a hospital's transfusion or hematology department, or specialized outpatient clinics.

Personnel

• Healthcare professionals involved typically include hematologists, transfusion medicine specialists, registered nurses, and trained apheresis technologists.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild allergic reactions, fever, chills.
• Rare Risks: Transmission of pathogens, blood clots, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), or alloimmunization.
• Management: Monitoring during and after transfusion; medications to treat reactions if they occur.

Benefits

• Increased platelet count, leading to reduced bleeding risk and improved clotting function.
• Benefits are usually noticeable shortly after the transfusion.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Monitoring for any adverse reactions for a few hours post-transfusion.
• Expected Recovery Time: Generally very short; patients can often resume normal activities within a day.
• Follow-up: Typically involves follow-up blood tests to monitor platelet levels.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Platelet transfusion without pathogen reduction or synthetic platelet substitutes (not widely available).
• Pros and Cons: Non-reduced platelets carry a higher risk of pathogen transmission. Synthetic substitutes may not be as effective or widely available.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Minimal discomfort during IV insertion; the patient may experience mild chills or fever.
• After Procedure: Most patients feel normal soon after but should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider. Pain management often involves over-the-counter medications if needed.

By providing this procedure through pathogen reduction technology, healthcare providers aim to offer safer blood products to those in need, enhancing the patient's overall outcome and reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections.