Abstract
Abstract Platelet transfusion is a topic of common interest for many specialists involved in patient care, from laboratory staff to clinical physicians. Various aspects make this type of transfusion different from those of other blood components. In this review, the challenges in platelet transfusion practice that are relevant for laboratory colleagues will be discussed, highlighting how the biochemical and structural characteristics of these blood elements directly affect their function and consequently the clinical outcome. More than 1,300 platelet concentrates are transfused in Germany every day, and several types are offered by their respective manufacturers. We describe the technological advances in platelet concentrate production, with a focus on how the storage conditions of platelets can be improved. Laboratory quality assessment procedures for a safe transfusion are discussed in detail. For this purpose, we will refer to the Hemotherapy Directives (Richtlinie Hämotherapie) of the German Medical Association.
Highlights
Platelet transfusion is a topic of common interest for many specialists involved in patient care, from laboratory staff to clinical physicians
We describe the technological advances in platelet concentrate production, with a focus on how the storage conditions of platelets can be improved
We will refer to the Hemotherapy Directives (Richtlinie Hämotherapie) of the German Medical Association
Summary
Platelet concentrates can be obtained either from whole blood donations with principally two different subsequent preparation procedures or directly by apheresis technologies. Very promising efforts have been made to exploit the possibility of using buffy coats as a source of hematopoietic progenitor cells for platelet production [4] Another approach is the sequential double centrifugation of blood derived from whole blood donors. Once the platelets have been isolated by differential centrifugation, blood deprived of platelets and a small amount of plasma flows back into the donor This procedure is advantageous in the case of platelet refractoriness, i.e., poor platelet increments after transfusion. Alloimmune thrombocytopenia is a pathology affecting fetuses and newborns due to maternal antibodies directed against platelet antigens These factors can impede platelet increment and require individually matched platelet concentrates [1, 10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
