Alongside PRBCs and plasma, which component is included in a balanced transfusion strategy?

• A. Albumin
• B. Platelets
• C. Vitamin K
• D. Cryoprecipitate

Answer: (B)

In a balanced transfusion approach, the goal is to restore both oxygen delivery and hemostatic function. Red blood cells correct anemia, plasma provides clotting factors, and platelets supply the cellular component needed for proper clot formation. During rapid or massive transfusion, platelets can become depleted or diluted, so adding platelets helps reestablish primary hemostasis and reduces ongoing bleeding by promoting platelet plug formation and supporting the coagulation cascade. The other options don’t provide this essential platelet component: albumin is a volume expander without clotting function, vitamin K reverses or prevents coagulopathy but isn’t a transfusion product for routine hemostasis, and cryoprecipitate delivers fibrinogen and some factors rather than platelets. Therefore, platelets are included alongside PRBCs and plasma.