Two updates re: plasma at Platte Valley

#1: Trauma teams now respond with liquid plasma: The Platte Valley Hospital Blood Bank now uses liquid plasma in full traumas and in our massive transfusion protocol (MTP).

To prevent coagulopathy and other complications, a 1:1 ratio of red blood cells to plasma is necessary. The best practice is for those products to be ready immediately, and for the blood bank to keep a cooler ahead until the MTP is discontinued.

To meet the goals of a balanced transfusion, our blood bank now uses liquid plasma in full traumas and MTPs. We also have switched from 4:4 product delivery to 2:2. This means that the cooler delivered to full trauma-team activations contains 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and 2 units of plasma product (either liquid or frozen). If more blood is needed, an MTP can be activated. MTP coolers now contain 2 units of PRBCs and 2 units of plasma product (either liquid or frozen) and platelets, per protocol.

Please reach out to Sherae Durham, our Trauma Program coordinator, or Ian Wallace, our supervisor of Lab analytics, with any questions.

#2: Plasma can be used during therapeutic plasma exchange: Beginning Monday, Dec. 29, plasma can be used during therapeutic plasma exchange at Platte Valley.

Previously, TPE was limited to procedures with albumin as a product. Albumin can still be utilized and ordered from Pharmacy, and now plasma can be utilized for TPE where it is indicated. Plasma can be ordered from the blood bank in a similar manner to how other blood products are ordered. Please allow for extended time for TPE, depending on the type and availability of the plasma needs, as the hospital does not store the volume needed for TPE in house.

Additional questions can be directed to the Blood Bank at extension 71426 or Ian Wallace.

Thank you for your excellent care, every day.