Platelet transfusions are used to treat thrombocytopenia, a condition where there is a lower than normal level of platelets in the blood. The transfusion can be administered through an intravenous drip and each unit typically contains platelets from three to five donors or from one donor through apheresis. The treatment is prescribed for patients undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow/stem cell transplantation, or organ transplantation, and for those with AIDS. Medical professionals consider a patient’s platelet count and other factors before prescribing a transfusion.
A platelet transfusion is an intravenous transfer of platelets collected from one donor or collected from multiple donors. Platelets are small cellular structures that are essential for the blood clotting process and, therefore, important to maintain at certain levels within the body. A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures the number of different types of cells circulating in the bloodstream. When a patient’s blood count results indicate that there is a lower than normal level of platelets, the condition is called thrombocytopenia. Depending on the cause, symptoms, and severity of the patient’s thrombocytopenia, a transfusion may be considered treatment.
An intravenous drip into a vein in the arm or hand, an implanted central line, or a peripherally inserted central line catheter (PICC) can be used to transfuse platelets. Donor platelets, stored in small bags, must be kept fresh. Each bag contains about 3.4 ounces (100 mL) of a yellow fluid that includes platelets. Most patients require only one bag, also called a unit, to be administered, and each unit takes about 15 to 30 minutes to transfuse.
Each unit transfused is typically composed of platelets given by three to five blood donors or those given by only one donor. When only one donor’s blood is used, the cells are known as apheresis platelets. These are produced when blood is processed through a machine and platelets are separated from the rest of the blood in a process called apheresis. Apheresis platelets are generally less likely to produce an adverse reaction in the recipient.
Platelet transfusions are often prescribed for those undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow/stem cell transplantation, or organ transplantation, and for those with AIDS. They are usually not given for thrombocytopenia secondary to administration of the anticoagulant drug, heparin. Also, a transfusion would generally not be used to treat a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a blood disorder that causes blood clots to form within the smallest blood vessels in the body.
In addition to a diagnosis that may indicate the need for a platelet transfusion, medical professionals also consider other factors before prescribing this treatment. A patient with a platelet count of less than 10,000 requires a transfusion, whether or not the patient shows symptoms of thrombocytopenia. In general, a patient with a count between 20,000 and 50,000 may only be prescribed a transfusion if that patient has active bleeding. Additionally, any patient with a count below 50,000 may be prescribed a transfusion if she is having surgery in the immediate future.
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