A laboratory study is conducted to determine the optimal usage of platelets for transfusion. The blood bank inventory along with the transfusion records and medical records of subjects who were recipients of platelet transfusion are reviewed. Which of the following conclusions is most likely to be made from this study?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer B is correct:
1. Autoimmune thrombocytopenia is a condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys its own platelets.
2. Platelet transfusions in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia are less likely to be successful due to the underlying immune response.
3. Reviewing transfusion records of subjects with this condition would likely show a pattern of unsuccessful platelet transfusions.
4. This conclusion is supported by medical knowledge and understanding of autoimmune thrombocytopenia.
Summary:
- Choice A is incorrect because frozen storage of platelets does not necessarily increase units available in the context of the study.
- Choice C is incorrect as platelet units can carry a risk of transmission for hepatitis C infection.
- Choice D is incorrect as the preference for pooled donor platelets over single-donor platelets is not a conclusion that can be drawn from the study.