Statewide support of thrombocytopenic patients with ABO matched single donor platelets

Use of ABO matched, HLA nonmatched platelet units obtained from single donors by pheresis, using the Haemonetics 30 Cell Separator, has a lowered hepatitis risk, and possibly delays the onset of the refractory state. Pheresis also offers a method of obtaining HLA matched platelets for the already refractory patient. A mean of 4.2 X 10(11) platelets are collected in about 1 1/2 hours. ABO matched, HLA nonmatched platelets produced corrected increments of more than 2500/mm3 per 7 X 10(10) platelets infused in 67 per cent of transfusions to nonselected recipients. The procedure is simple, safe, and requires little time. It is a worthwhile large-scale program for a regional blood center to undertake in order to provide optimal therapy for thrombocytopenic patients.