In Vitro Changes of Platelet Parameters: Lessons From Blood Banking

Platelets, the smallest cellular components of blood, are critically involved at each step of the hemostatic response, from the initial sealing of damaged endothelium to supporting coagulation reactions, and finally, in the retraction of the fibrin clot that enhances fibrinolysis and wound healing. Consequently, if platelet concentration is decreased and/or platelet function is abnormal, the risk of hemorrhage is increased. Ever since Duke’s 1910 report of the first use of platelet-containing fresh whole blood to treat three bleeding thrombocytopenic patients, platelet transfusions have gained value in medicine. Nowadays they are essential for the management of patients with primary thrombocytopenia, or for support of those treated with intensive chemo/radiotherapeutic regimens associated with prolonged periods of bone marrow aplasia (1 ,2 ).