Korean J Blood Transfus.  2014 Apr;25(1):18-27.

Adequate Change Interval of Transfusion Kits during Rapid Transfusion

• Kang NK
• Sim J
• Ahn W

Abstract

BACKGROUND
For a rapid transfusion, pressure is sometimes applied to packed red blood cells during the operation. However, there are neither standard guidelines nor reported data regarding adequate change interval of transfusion kits. The aim of this study is to present relevant data by simulating a surgical situation.
METHODS
Each unit of packed red blood cells was mixed with 50 mL of normal saline. Pressure (250 mmHg) was applied to the mixed red blood cells. Each filtration time was measured without change of the transfusion kit. The weight of the mixed red blood cells was measured before and after administration. The passed blood was examined microscopically for detection of possible microaggregation. Eight transfusion sets were tested with 70 packed red blood cells.
RESULTS
International guidelines have recommended replacement of the transfusion set if flow rate decreased to less than 100 mL/min. The flow rate of five transfusion sets was recorded as less than 100 mL/min. The flow rate of the third packed red blood cells decreased to less than 100 mL/min. No microaggregate was detected.
CONCLUSION
Therefore, we recommended replacement of the blood filter after filtering two units of packed red blood cells with pressure under operation room circumstances.

Keyword

Blood filter; Erythrocyte transfusion; Microaggregate; Packed red blood cells

MeSH Terms

Erythrocyte Transfusion
Erythrocytes
Filtration