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Platelet transfusion
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<p>Platelet transfusion, is the process of infusing <a href="/facts/Platelet_concentrate/gW8kQnDn">platelet concentrate</a> into the body via vein, to prevent or treat the <a href="/facts/Bleeding/CGyFMU0F">bleeding</a> in people with either a <a href="/facts/Thrombocytopenia/qMy4o0Rz">low platelet count</a> or <a href="/facts/Poor_platelet_function/I0xrDVGa">poor platelet function</a>. Often this occurs in people receiving <a href="/facts/Cancer_chemotherapy/fWTLbaUT">cancer chemotherapy</a>. Preventive transfusion is often done in those with platelet levels of less than 10 x 109/L. In those who are bleeding transfusion is usually carried out at less than 50 x 109/L. Blood group matching (<a href="/facts/ABO_blood_group_system/sbGYQFDK">ABO</a>, <a href="/facts/Rh_blood_group_system/ur0d2d9r">RhD</a>) is typically recommended before platelets are given. Unmatched platelets, however, are often used due to the unavailability of matched platelets. They are given by <a href="/facts/Intravenous/AwwuD3Nu">injection into a vein</a>. </p><p>Side effects can include <a href="/facts/Allergic_reactions/dYAVosh8">allergic reactions</a> such as <a href="/facts/Anaphylaxis/F9IDQxeL">anaphylaxis</a>, <a href="/facts/Infection/182XrncP">infection</a>, and <a href="/facts/Transfusion_related_acute_lung_injury/4Xrh2ovp">lung injury</a>. <a href="/facts/Bacterial_infections/X5QcVN5j">Bacterial infections</a> are relatively more common with platelets as they are stored at warmer temperatures. Platelets can be produced either from <a href="/facts/Whole_blood/vcoBYMSr">whole blood</a> or by <a href="/facts/Apheresis/4Cn3cRpq">apheresis</a>. They keep for up to five to seven days. </p><p>Platelet transfusions came into medical use in the 1950s and 1960s. It is on the <a href="/facts/WHO_Model_List_of_Essential_Medicines/6kmu81Xm">World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines</a>. Some versions of platelets have had the <a href="/facts/White_blood_cells/vsDunUK0">white blood cells</a> partially removed or been <a href="/facts/Gamma_radiation/5Drf913J">gamma irradiated</a> which have specific benefits for certain populations. </p>