What are Platelets and how are they used?

Platelets are tiny, colorless, disc-shaped particles circulating in blood that help control bleeding and bruising. Platelets activate substances in plasma which form clots and promote wound healing. 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.
Cancer is the #1 patient group that needs Platelet transfusions. Some cancer treatments cause decreased blood and platelet production in the bone marrow. When Platelet levels fall too low, Platelets are transfused into patients to replenish their supply and prevent life-threatening bleeding. Many cancer patients require daily Platelet transfusions for several weeks.
Platelets have the shortest shelf life of all blood components, lasting only seven (7) days. There is a constant need of Platelets for life-saving treatments.