Platelet Serology

Patients who are refractory to platelet transfusion present a challenge to Transfusion Services and the patient's physician. Refractoriness to platelet transfusion can occur as a result of either immune or nonimmune mechanisms. Nonimmune mechanisms include:

• splenomegaly
• accelerated platelet consumption as seen in fever or sepsis
• drugs, e.g. amphotericin B.

Immune causes may be addressed by selection of compatible plateletpheresis products using crossmatch testing or by securing products from HLA-matched donors. Platelet crossmatching is offered Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. in our Oakland location.

The required blood specimen for platelet crossmatch is 5-7 ml. of EDTA (purple tube) collected within 48 hours of testing. (Alternatively, the plasma may be separated and stored frozen within 48 hours of drawing.) Please call (510)594-5253 before sending requests for platelet crossmatching.