The operational impact of introducing cold stored platelets

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Blood Banking Operations

Background:

• Cold stored platelets (CSP) enhance clot initiation, beneficial for actively bleeding patients.
• Room temperature platelets (RTP) are preferred for increasing platelet counts in prophylactic transfusions.
• The economic viability of a dual inventory system (RTP and CSP) is uncertain due to potential wastage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a dual platelet inventory system on platelet wastage.
• To determine if the benefits of CSP outweigh the operational costs and wastage implications.
• To assess strategies for managing both RTP and CSP within a regional blood supply.

Main Methods:

• A simulation model of a regional blood supply and case hospital operations was developed.
• Two scenarios were compared: "No-CSP" (RTP only) and "CSP" (RTP and CSP).
• Within the "CSP" scenario, strategies included on-site conversion of RTP to CSP and receiving pre-converted CSP.

Main Results:

• A centralized CSP supply is essential due to limitations in on-site platelet age.
• Increasing CSP inventory reduces product shortages but increases CSP wastage.
• On-site RTP conversion is limited, resulting in minimal reduction of RTP wastage with CSP introduction.

Conclusions:

• CSP is a valuable addition to blood bank formularies due to its clinical efficacy in trauma.
• Significant reductions in RTP wastage are unlikely with the implementation of a CSP inventory.
• The operational overhead of a dual inventory system requires careful consideration against potential wastage benefits.