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Review article: Biomedical intelligence

Vol. 143 No. 4950 (2013)

Platelet transfusion: basic aspects

  • Andreas Holbro
  • Laura Infanti
  • Jörg Sigle
  • Andreas Buser
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2013.13885
Cite this as:
Swiss Med Wkly. 2013;143:w13885
Published
01.12.2013

Summary

Platelet transfusions have been shown to prevent major haemorrhage and improve survival in thrombocytopenic patients. Since then, advances in the preparation of platelet components, including the introduction of pathogen reduction techniques, have been achieved. The number of transfused platelet components is still growing owing to the increasing number of patients treated for haemato-oncological diseases. Additionally, indications have been extended, for example to patients with drug-induced platelet dysfunction. This review focuses on current platelet component production and storage techniques, including pathogen reduction, indications for platelet transfusion and safety issues including alloimmunisation and management of platelet refractoriness.

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