A bag of platelets
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| Clinical data | |
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| Other names | Platelet concentrate, platelet component |
Platelet transfusion, also known as platelet concentrate, is used to prevent or treat bleeding in people with either a low platelet countorpoor platelet function.[2] Often this occurs in people receiving cancer chemotherapy.[2] Preventive transfusion is often done in those with platelet levels of less than 10 x 109/L.[3] In those who are bleeding transfusion is usually carried out at less than 50 x 109/L.[3] Blood group matching (ABO, RhD) is typically recommended before platelets are given.[3] Unmatched platelets, however, are often used due to the unavailability of matched platelets.[4] They are given by injection into a vein.[5]
Side effects can include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, infection, and lung injury.[3] Bacterial infections are relatively more common with platelets as they are stored at warmer temperatures.[3] Platelets can be produced either from whole blood or by apheresis.[2] They can be stored for up to five to seven days.[2]
Platelet transfusions came into medical use in the 1950s and 1960s.[2][6] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[7] In the United Kingdom it costs the NHS about £200 per unit.[8] Some versions of platelets have had the white blood cells partially removed or been gamma irradiated which have specific benefits for certain populations.[9]
