Timeframe for Transfusing Single Donor Platelets After Blood Bank Issue
Single donor platelets (SDP) must be transfused within 30 minutes of removal from the platelet storage incubator at 20-24°C. 1
Critical Time Parameters
The most recent UK guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists (2025) explicitly state that infusion should be started within 30 minutes of removal from storage for all platelet products. 1 This same 30-minute standard is reinforced by the 2016 AAGBI guidelines, which specify that "transfusion should ideally be commenced within 30 min of removal from the platelet storage incubator." 1
Transfusion Duration Once Started
- Complete the transfusion within 30 minutes for a standard adult therapeutic dose (250-350 mL containing >2.4 × 10¹¹ platelets). 1
- Use a 170-200 μm filter through a standard blood administration set or dedicated platelet administration set. 1
- Never use a set that has already been used for red blood cells. 1
Storage Requirements Before Issue
- Platelets are stored at 20-24°C (room temperature) with constant horizontal agitation in approved incubators. 1
- Never refrigerate platelets - this will destroy their viability. 1
- Maximum storage from collection to transfusion is 5 days due to bacterial contamination risk. 1
- This 5-day limit exists specifically because bacterial contamination risk (1 in 12,000) is higher than other blood components due to room temperature storage. 1
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
Temperature control is paramount: Unlike red blood cells which can tolerate brief periods outside refrigeration, platelets stored at room temperature are at constant risk for bacterial proliferation. 1 The 30-minute window from removal to transfusion initiation minimizes this risk while maintaining platelet function. 1
Do not confuse with red blood cell timing: Red blood cells have a 4-hour transfusion window after removal from refrigeration 1, but platelets require much faster administration due to their room temperature storage and higher bacterial contamination risk. 1
Product equivalency: Both single-donor apheresis platelets and pooled platelet concentrates from whole blood follow the same 30-minute rule and can be used interchangeably when leukoreduced. 1
Expected Clinical Response
- A standard adult therapeutic dose should increase the patient's platelet count by approximately 30 × 10⁹/L. 1
- Recheck the platelet count after transfusion to assess response. 1
- Platelet function increases immediately after transfusion and persists unchanged for at least 2 hours, with no "warm-up time" required. 2