What are Pooled Platelets?

One single unit of random donor platelets is not enough to appreciably increase the platelet count of a patient.  Therefore, the usual dose in an adult patient with bleeding and a platelet count below 20,000/uL is 6-8 units of random donor platelets.  Therefore, 6-8 units of random donor platelets are pooled into one bag of "Pooled Platelets".

Procedure for pooling platelets:

Transfer Bag	Label the satellite transfer bag. Hemostat the tubing of the transfer bag. Open one of the ports on a unit of platelets to be pooled NOTE: If platelets contain a significant number of red cells and ABO groups are mixed, plasma antibodies should be compatible with any visible red cells present in the pool.
	Spike the opening of the port with the transfer bag coupler (spike).

Release the hemostat and allow the platelets to flow into the transfer bag.   Replace the hemostat and remove spike.  Repeat procedure untills all platelet packs are in the transfer bag.

6. Remove as much air as possible form the transfer bag and heat seal the transfer bag tubing with the heat sealer and cut the tubing.
7. Weight the content of the bag and record on label.

Storage / Expiration Date:

• Pooled platelets are stored at room temperature 20-24^oC with constant agitation.
• Pooled platetets expire 4 hours after pooling.
• The pH should be pH > 6.2.

Indication for usage:

• Thrombocytopenia
• DIC
• Bleeding