PLATELET STORAGE - EFFORTS TO EXTEND THE SHELF-LIFE OF PLATELET CONCENTRATES

In transfusion medicine, platelets cannot be replaced by blood substit utes. Circulating platelets must respond quickly to changes in normal blood flow and blood-vessel injury to promote normal hemostasis, Adhes ion of platelets at the site of vessel endothelial rupture is mediated through platelet membrane glycoprotein receptors. The integrity of th ese surface adhesion receptors and the signal-transduction pathways of activation will determine, in large part, how well a platelet functio ns in hemostasis. The deterioration of these systems during storage le ads to a compromise of function known as the 'platelet-storage lesion' .