Description:
Platelet transfusions have shown to decrease the risk of spontaneous bleeding in patients with severe thrombocytopenia, and are a frequent intervention in patients with hematologic malignancies. In 2019, more than 2.3 million platelets were transfused in United States, representing a 0.9% increase from 2017. As the number of platelet transfusion increases, and other factors (such as the pandemic, staff shortages, and others) impact blood collections, it is critical for blood centers to have systems in place to ensure adequate supply to meet the increasing demand. Similarly, hospital-based transfusion services should monitor appropriate clinical use, and have optimal inventory management strategies to minimize outdates. In regards of platelet safety and purity, the FDA recently issued new guidelines on bacterial testing to mitigate the risk of septic reactions; and in regards of potency, new platelet products such as cold stored platelets and frozen platelets are currently being evaluated as a resource for bleeding patients while offering the flexibility of prolonged storage minimizing wastage and reducing shortages.

Dr. Zbigniew “Ziggy” M. Szczepiorkowski will review and discuss the new FDA guidelines for bacterial testing of platelet products and its implementation in transfusion services.

Dr. John D. Roback will describe several strategies to increase the donor pool and prevent severe and prolonged platelet shortages that could impact patient care.

Dr. Mortiz Stolla will review the hemostatic capacity of cold stored and frozen platelets based on invitro data and clinical studies.