Platelet transfusion
Treatment for bleeding irregularities / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Platelet transfusion, also known as platelet concentrate, is used to prevent or treat bleeding in people with either a low platelet count or poor platelet function.[1] Often this occurs in people receiving cancer chemotherapy.[1] Preventive transfusion is often done in those with platelet levels of less than 10 x 109/L.[2] In those who are bleeding transfusion is usually carried out at less than 50 x 109/L.[2] Blood group matching (ABO, RhD) is typically recommended before platelets are given.[2] Unmatched platelets, however, are often used due to the unavailability of matched platelets.[3] They are given by injection into a vein.[4]
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Other names | Platelet concentrate, platelet component |
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Side effects can include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, infection, and lung injury.[2] Bacterial infections are relatively more common with platelets as they are stored at warmer temperatures.[2] Platelets can be produced either from whole blood or by apheresis.[1] They keep for up to five to seven days.[1]
Platelet transfusions came into medical use in the 1950s and 1960s.[1][5] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[6][7] Some versions of platelets have had the white blood cells partially removed or been gamma irradiated which have specific benefits for certain populations.[8]