What is a Platelet Transfusion?

What are platelets?

Platelets are small, disc-shaped cells in your blood. They play a crucial role in helping to stop bleeding when you get a cut or injury or aiding in wound healing. Even though they’re much smaller than red or white blood cells, they play a big role in keeping you healthy.

Platelet transfusions are an essential and lifesaving treatment option for patients experiencing symptoms of low platelets.

What are signs of low platelets?

Symptoms of low platelets, a condition called thrombocytopenia, include easy bruising and bleeding, such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, heavy menstrual periods or blood in stool or urine.

Why would someone need a platelet transfusion?

Platelet transfusions are often considered for patients who:

cannot produce platelets
have very low platelet counts
have blood cancer or are undergoing cancer therapy
have bleeding or other organ issues

Where do the platelets used in a transfusion come from?

Platelets are taken from donors and carefully tested to make sure they are safe. They are given to patients using strict safety steps to protect their health. The transfusion is administered intravenously over 30 – 60 minutes, and recipients are monitored for side effects. Platelets usually stay effective for about one week after a transfusion, but they may not last as long if the low blood counts or bleeding have certain causes.

If you have low platelet counts or significant signs or symptoms of bleeding, it is recommended that you see a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood disorders and diseases, for proper testing and treatment to improve your platelet counts.

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about the author

Ameet Patel, MD

Dr. Patel is a medical oncologist and hematologist with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. A cellular therapy expert and blood and marrow transplant specialist, Dr. Patel has a special interest in CAR T-cell therapy and bone marrow transplants. He actively treats patients in Pinellas County and is involved in clinical trial research focused on lymphoma and myeloid diseases.