Estimating the impact on the inventory of implementing pathogen‐reduced platelets in Canada. Issue 11 (6th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blake, John T.; McTaggart, Ken; Couture, Chantal
• Is Part Of: Transfusion. Volume 61:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 3150
• Page End: 3160
• Publication Date: 2021-10-06
• Subjects: blood supply chain -- pathogen reduction -- simulation; Hematology -- Periodicals; Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; Blood Group Antigens -- Periodicals; Blood Preservation -- Periodicals; Blood Transfusion -- Periodicals; 615
• DOI: 10.1111/trf.16691
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0041-1132

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Pathogen reduction (PR) technology will be implemented in pooled platelets in Canada. It is anticipated that PR platelets will be licensed in Canada for a maximum shelf life of 5 days, while non‐treated apheresis platelet products will continue to be licensed for 7 days. Study Design and Methods: This study evaluates the impact on inventory, wastage, and shortages of implementing PR platelets. A custom‐built simulation model was used to represent a regional distribution network. Experiments with the model were used to estimate product wastage and shortages when a 5‐day PR pooled platelet product is introduced alongside a 7‐day apheresis platelet product. Results: Pooled platelet waste and shortages both increase as pooled shelf life decreases. Apheresis platelets, however, show a different response: While shortages of apheresis platelets increase as the shelf life of pooled units decreases, apheresis waste declines as pooled shelf life decreases. Conclusion: Additional platelet collections will be necessary to accommodate the shorter PR platelet shelf life and to cover increased patient transfusion needs due to a lower platelet yield in PR units. Increases of 9% for pooled units and 6% for apheresis units beyond expected demand, were found to be sufficient to ensure a non‐inferior level of customer service while minimizing waste.