Platelet transfusion is the infusion of concentrated platelets into a patient's vein to prevent or treat bleeding in people with a low platelet count or poor platelet function, drawn either from whole blood donations or from apheresis collection. The procedure came into medical use in the 1950s and 1960s and is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. Most platelet transfusions go to patients with blood disorders or cancer, chiefly to prevent bleeding during chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation, with prevention typically given when a platelet count falls below 10 billion per liter and active bleeding treated at counts under 50 billion per liter; platelets collected for transfusion keep for only five to seven days, and demand has been rising with an aging population, increasing blood cancer incidence and evolving cancer treatment protocols.
Facts
Partially Attested
Origin YearSource states platelet transfusion came into medical use across the 1950s and 1960s decade range rather than a single year; 1950 recorded as the earliest year of that range. Connections
Treats
Platelet transfusion is a standard treatment for severe thrombocytopenia with bleeding risk.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platelet_transfusion, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platelet_transfusion, lead section
Platelet transfusion, is the process of infusing platelet concentrate into the body via vein, to prevent or treat the bleeding in people with either a low platelet count or poor platelet function.
2. Platelet Transfusion (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead and History sectionQuote, Lead and History section
Platelet transfusions came into medical use in the 1950s and 1960s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a platelet transfusion and why is it given?
Infusing platelet concentrate to prevent or treat bleeding in people with a low platelet count or poor platelet function.
Platelet transfusion is the process of infusing platelet concentrate into the body via vein, to prevent or treat the bleeding in people with either a low platelet count or poor platelet function. Often this occurs in people receiving cancer chemotherapy. Blood group matching (ABO, RhD) is typically recommended before platelets are given. Platelet transfusions came into medical use in the 1950s and 1960s.
What are the side effects of platelet transfusion?
Allergic reactions, infection and lung injury; bacterial infection is relatively more common because platelets are stored warmer.
Side effects can include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, infection, and lung injury. Bacterial infections are relatively more common with platelets as they are stored at warmer temperatures. Platelets can be produced either from whole blood or by apheresis. They keep for up to five to seven days. This record describes what the sources state and is not medical advice.
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