Current transfusion therapy:  indications for basic components.
OBJECTIVE
To review basic blood components and currently acceptable transfusion practices.


METHODS
Professional journals, current texts, and the author's experience.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Not applicable.


RESULTS
Red blood cells, platelets, cryoprecipitate, and fresh-frozen plasma are the basic blood components ordered daily in hospitals and transfusion services all over the world.  To notify the laboratory medical director of inappropriate orders for components, the clinical laboratory scientist must be aware of currently acceptable transfusion practices.  This article reviews these four components and indicates acceptable processing methods and appropriate use.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the known risk factors of blood and blood component transfusions, it is essential that components be used only when necessary.  Criteria for appropriate transfusion have changed over the years; old transfusion triggers are no longer acceptable.  To provide the best medical care to the patient, the clinical laboratory scientist must stay abreast of currently acceptable transfusion practices.
Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Professions, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112.
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Williams
D016913:Blood Component Transfusion / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D001792:Blood Platelets; D006801:Humans; D010949:Plasma; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic