Why Are Platelets So Important?

Platelets are tiny, colorless, disc-shaped particles circulating in blood that help control bleeding and bruising. They activate a substance in plasma, which forms a clot and allows a wound to heal. Since platelets help control bleeding, they are very important for heart surgery patients, burn victims, organ transplant patients, bone marrow transplant patients, accident victims, premature babies, and especially cancer patients.

In fact, cancer is the #1 patient group that needs Platelet transfusions. Some treatments can result in anemia and a loss of Platelets, and many cancer patients require daily Platelet transfusions for several weeks. When Platelet levels fall too low, they are transfused into patients to replenish their supply and prevent life-threatening hemorrhages.

Platelets have the shortest shelf life of all blood components, lasting only 7 days. That means they are in constant demand for life-saving treatments.

You can give Platelets every two weeks, up to 24 times per year.