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Recommendations for UK Blood Services

RecommendationAction by
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Serological investigation of suspected TRALI cases must include tests for antibodies
to human leucocyte antigen (HLA) Class II, HLA Class I and granulocyte specific antigens
UK Blood Services
UK Blood Services should continue to consider strategies to minimise the risk of
TRALI from apheresis platelets
UK Blood Services
TRANSFUSION TRANSMITTED INFECTION
Efforts to prevent bacterial contamination of blood components should continue. These include

– Continuation of diversion of the first 20-30 mL of the donation (likely to
contain any organisms entering the collection needle from the venepuncture site).

– Careful attention to adequate cleansing of donors’ arms.

– Adherence to BCSH guidelines (1999) with regard to the visual inspection
of blood components for any irregular appearance immediately prior to transfusion
UK Blood Services
UK Blood Service collection teams should ensure donor selection guidelines are adhered to
at all times in order to prevent transmission of blood borne infections
UK Blood Services

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