Abstract
Platelet transfusion is one of the efficient therapies using a blood component in order to supplement platelets in thrombocytopenic patients.
Platelet transfusion is an essential therapy for the chemotherapy of hematological malig-nancy and is sometimes necessary for unexpected thrombocytopenia in chemotherapy-treat-ed solid malignancy. Numbers of platelet products used in Japan have been increasing every year.
Producing platelet concentrates by centifugation of fresh blood bags at Japan Red Cross Blood Bank and a collection of a large quantity of platelet by continuous blood cell separator from a single donor are the two main methods to collect platelets. The safety for donors of the latter method should be considered.
Although the efficacy of platelet transfusion is fully appreciated, indications of platelet transfusion should be evaluated to avoid various side-effects of blood transfusion and an appearance of platelet antibodies.
