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Structure and Function of Platelets

Structure and Function of Platelets

The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...

Formation of the Platelet Plug

Formation of the Platelet Plug

The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Treatment of Platelet Products with Riboflavin and UV Light: Effectiveness Against High Titer Bacterial Contamination

Treatment of Platelet Products with Riboflavin and UV Light: Effectiveness Against High Titer Bacterial Contamination

Published on: August 24, 2015

Bacterial contamination of platelets.

Elizabeth L Palavecino¹, Roslyn A Yomtovian, Michael R Jacobs

¹Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. epalave@wfubmc.edu

Transfusion and Apheresis Science : Official Journal of the World Apheresis Association : Official Journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis

|November 27, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Bacterial contamination in platelet products remains a concern. Advances in diversion and culture methods reduce risks, but further strategies are needed to fully eliminate this issue in blood products.

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Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets

Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets

Published on: November 29, 2024

Area of Science:

Transfusion Medicine
Microbiology
Hematology

Background:

Bacterial contamination of platelet products (apheresis and whole blood-derived) persists despite existing preventive measures.
Skin commensal organisms are a common source of contamination, necessitating targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current developments in minimizing and detecting bacterial contamination in platelet products.
To identify remaining challenges in ensuring the safety of platelet transfusions.

Main Methods:

Review of existing and emerging diversion techniques for platelet collection.
Analysis of current and developing bacterial culture and detection methods for platelet products.
Assessment of strategies to mitigate contamination risks.

Main Results:

Diversion methods have shown success in reducing contamination rates, particularly from skin flora.
Widespread adoption of culture methods and ongoing development of new detection assays are improving safety.
Complete elimination of bacterial contamination remains an unresolved challenge.

Conclusions:

While progress has been made, bacterial contamination of platelet products requires continued research and implementation of advanced strategies.
A multi-faceted approach combining improved collection, detection, and prevention is crucial for enhancing patient safety.