• Low platelet levels can result in heavy bleeding.hand with blood image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
  
  Platelets are created in bone marrow and are the cells in your blood that allow it to clot. People undergoing cancer treatments or with bone marrow complications often do not have enough platelets and must be given a transfusion. Platelet transfusions are also given to people with low platelet levels prior to a surgical procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. A platelet transfusion is a simple process with few side effects.
  
  

Donation and Storage

• Platelets are taken from donors through two methods. In the first method called apheresed platelets, blood is drawn from the body into a small machine where the platelets are divided from the donor's blood. The remaining blood is then returned to the donor's body. In the second method, donors give blood and the platelets are later separated out after the blood has been collected. While apheresed platelets require only one donor to create a bag (or unit), platelets collected from a regular blood donation may require up to five donors to create one unit. Each donor is carefully selected, and each donation is tested before it is used so there is minimal risk of infection. The unit of platelets will be yellow in color and stored in a bag at low temperatures until needed.
  
  

Transfusion

• A platelet transfusion is a relatively simple process. A small tube will be inserted into your vein so that the platelets can be given intravenously. Since you are receiving a platelet transfusion instead of a blood transfusion, the donated platelets do not have to match your blood type, but usually still do. One unit of platelets will be given, which will take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The procedure can usually be done on an outpatient basis.
  
  Platelets only last for two to three days, so you may require up to three transfusions a week until your body is able to produce platelets on its own. If you are running a high temperature, the platelets will not work as effectively, and you will require multiple transfusions.
  
  

Possible Side Effects

• Side effects of platelet transfusion are rare, and may include a rash, shivering or a high fever. Apheresed platelets are less likely to cause a reaction. If you have to have multiple transfusions, you may find that the platelets become less effective over time.