Practices associated with ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions: a BEST Collaborative international survey

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Evidence guiding ABO selection for platelet (PLT) transfusions is limited.
• The BEST Collaborative conducted an international survey to establish a baseline of current PLT transfusion practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey international practices in ABO selection for platelet transfusions.
• To identify variations in ABO matching policies and the use of ABO-incompatible platelet concentrates.

Main Methods:

• An international survey was distributed to transfusion services and hospitals.
• The survey collected data on patient demographics, ABO matching policies, and anti-A/anti-B measurements.
• Practices for ABO-incompatible platelet concentrate transfusions in adults and pediatrics were investigated.

Main Results:

• 126 responses from 14 countries were analyzed, revealing significant practice variations.
• 19.4% of respondents lacked a written policy for ABO-incompatible platelet selection.
• Practices differed notably for ABO-mismatched transfusions in adults and pediatrics, particularly concerning supernatant compatibility.

Conclusions:

• Considerable variation exists in the transfusion of ABO-incompatible platelet concentrates.
• The findings suggest a need for further research to develop evidence-based transfusion practices.