Indications for Platelets Use

Clinical Description

• Bleeding due to thrombocytopenia because of defective platelet production such as aplastic anaemia or leukemia.
• Increased consumption e.g., DIC
• Dilutional effects e.g., in massive transfusion

All patients needing platelets need further investigations, please refer to Central Hospital.

Dose:

• 1 unit per 10kg
• For infants under 10 kg, 5ml/kg
• Cross-matching is not required
• Caution: platelet transfusion not usually indicated in ITP and TTP unless if patient is bleeding or undergoing invasive surgery

Side effects:

• Febrile, non-haemolytic and allergic reactions are common in patients receiving multiple transfusions.