Abstract
Platelet transfusion is common practice today. Over one million platelet concentrates are prepared from single units of blood by the Red Cross each year in the United States. This statistic reflects changes in two areas. First, the need for platelet replacement therapy in patients with cancer has become more apparent due to the development of more successful as well as myelosuppressive chemotherapy programs for hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies. Second, there have been technical advances in platelet production and storage including the development of suitable plastics in which to store platelet concentrates and most recently blood cell separators. The scientific complexity and emotional interest in granulocyte transfusion therapy have created considerable confusion regarding proper utilization. The purpose of this paper is to review the current status of plateletpheresis and leukapheresis with regard to collection techniques, donor preparation, storage, and transfusion indications.
