Short date product management
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Platelets on a platelet agitator |
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Blood components and plasma products are increasingly in demand despite efforts to reduce inappropriate use.
Some blood components, such as platelets, have very short shelf-life spans.
Occasionally with red cells and more frequently with platelets, you may receive products with a short shelf-life.
If you receive products with a short life, you should:
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review your stock and ensure short dated components are used first
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review components, especially platelets, which are already labelled for a patient
If necessary, bring allocated units with a longer expiry date back and re-issue the shorter dated components
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If it appears you are not going to be able to use the short dated product, contact your nearest large hospital transfusion laboratory and ascertain if they can use them.
You will need to agree with packing requirements and arrange transport, if required.
