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Platelet Transfusions and the Critically Ill
- Current literature suggests that platelets are given too frequently and inappropriately
- Recall that approximately 50% of platelet transfusions fail to increase counts
- In addition, bacterial contamination of units is a special concern, with sepsis occurring 10x more frequently than with PRBCs
- In general, platelet transfusions in nonbleeding patients can be withheld untl the count reaches 10 x 103/mm3
- A transfusion trigger of 50 x 103/mm3 should be used for invasive procedures