Iraq-based platelets travel to Afghanistan
October 22nd, 2009
The AFTH functions as the sole platelet provider in Iraq. Now, it is the first in-theater medical facility to send platelets collected in one operational area to another, said Lt. Col. Thomas Jordan, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group apheresis chief.
"When I first arrived, I noticed there was a need (for platelets) in Afghanistan," Colonel Jordan said. "Sometimes we collect more platelets then we need to meet the demand in Iraq. Right now we're at 56 to 62 units a week. Since some of those units don't get applied -- and inevitably must be destroyed if not used within their shelf life -- we wanted to figure out a place we could utilize the excess."
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