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Platelets by the Plateful?

Platelets aren't cells; they are shards of bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes. Cancer patients and people suffering from conditions such as aplastic anemia often don't produce enough of these blood-clotters, so they can require supplementary infusions, sometimes more than once a week. Platelets gleaned from donated blood are the source for these transfusions, but they have several drawbacks that have spurred researchers to look for an alternative. Because the cell fragments can't be refrigerated—low temperatures damage them—their shelf life is only a few days, versus weeks for red blood cells, and platelets are more likely to be tainted with dangerous bacteria.

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Articles of Interest

Are Platelets Cells? And if Yes, are They Immune Cells?

Platelets have now entered the field of immunity as inflammatory cells. Platelets are non-nucleated cell elements that, clearly, result from fractionation of bone marrow megakaryocytes (MKs). During differentiation, MKs are exposed to constantly increasing pH and pO2 until reaching the sinuses, where platelets are released from proplatelets supported by shear from the blood flow.

Cutting the Risk of Tainted Platelets

Donated platelets are used to help blood clot in very sick patients, such as those who have suffered severe trauma or are undergoing a bone marrow transplants. Although AABB — the large blood-bank group — in 2004 adopted new safety measures to reduce the chances that donors’ blood or skin transmits bacteria to the blood bag, a risk of contamination remains.

Platelet function disorders

There are many different kinds of platelet function disorders. They can be divided into two categories: hereditary disorders (meaning that they run in the family) acquired disorders (meaning they are caused by other diseases or the use of medications.

Platelets: The chameleons of cancer biology

New information has enabled researchers like myself to reevaluate our understanding of the role of platelets in cancer. Until recently, relatively few studies have observed a protective role of platelets in cancer. While there is substantial evidence linking intact platelets to promoting cancer, the dual pro- and anti-cancerous roles of platelets raise some fascinating questions about both intact platelets and the microparticles that they release.

Real Lives: I could bleed to death from just having a tooth out

Nobody likes a visit to the dentist, but for Angela Lloyd it’s more worrying than most. For without prior preparation and treatment, something as simple as having a tooth out could kill her.

Synthetic Platelets May Have ‘Profound Implications’ In Care Of Hospital Patients, Wounded Soldiers

Wounded soldiers or surgery patients could soon get new help to stop the bleeding. A lab has successfully created tiny, disk-shaped cells that mimic the human body’s natural platelets, which allow blood to clot.

The Biggest Blood Supply Risk: Tainted Platelets

A growing number of studies show that standard tests performed by blood banks before they ship platelets to hospitals miss the majority of contaminated platelets. Unlike other blood components such as red cells, which are refrigerated, platelets must be stored at room temperature to remain effective, but during storage periods that last up to five days bacteria can grow and multiply.

What is a Normal Platelet Count?

A normal platelet count is between 150,000 and 400,000 per microliter of blood. Because platelets only live in the body for about 10 days, your bone marrow creates millions of platelets each day.

Resources

Platelet Disorder Support Association

PDSA is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with ITP and other platelet disorders through education, advocacy, research, and support.

Thrombocyte

Platelet information and blood testing laboratory directory.

Platelets on the Web

Provides up-to-date information on ITP, TTP-HUS (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome), and Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia. This site is sponsored by the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.