Component description
For apheresis platelets, an apheresis machine separates the donor's anticoagulated blood into components with the platelets and a portion of the plasma into a bag containing platelet additive solution (PAS). The red and white blood cells and most of the plasma are returned to the donor.
Up to three adult doses of platelets may be prepared from a single apheresis platelet donation. If required, one adult apheresis platelet dose can be divided into three units to produce paediatric apheresis platelets. This reduces donor exposure for paediatric recipients and minimises product wastage.
Whole blood-derived platelets are produced by harvesting platelets from a pool of buffy coats from four ABO and RhD identical whole blood donations. The platelets are resuspended in PAS to produce the pooled platelet component.
Both apheresis and pooled platelets are leucodepleted during or soon after collection and irradiated before release from Lifeblood.
Platelets have a shelf-life of 7 days after collection and are stored at 20 - 24º C with gentle agitation.
Platelets can be irradiated at any stage during their 7-day storage and then stored up to the end of their normal shelf life.
Typical unit content and specifications
The typical unit content data is derived from Lifeblood process control testing. For each parameter, the mean value (± 1 SD) and specification is shown.
Unless otherwise specified, data is for the period 1 January to 31 December 2024.
Platelet apheresis leucocyte depleted in platelet additive solution (PAS)
| Volume (mL) | 216 ± 9 (100–400) |
| Platelet count (109 /unit) | 287 ± 35 (> 200 to ≤ 450) |
| pH | 7.2 ± 0.1 (6.4-7.4) |
| Leucocyte count (106 /unit) | 0.2 ± 0.2 (< 1.0) |
| Residual plasma content (%) | Approximately 40% |
Platelets paediatric apheresis leucocyte depleted
| Volume (mL) | 55 ± 2 (40-60) |
| Platelet count (109 /unit) | 71 ± 9 (> 50) |
| pH | 7.0 ± 0.1 (6.4-7.4) |
| Leucocyte count (106 /unit) | (Initial unit prior to splitting < 1.0) |
| Residual plasma content (%) | Approximately 40% |
Platelets pooled leucocyte depleted
| Volume (mL) | 270 ± 12 (> 160) |
| Platelet count (109 /unit) | 264 ± 37 (> 200) |
| pH | 7.0 ± 0.1 (6.4-7.4) |
| Leucocyte count (106 /unit) | 0.01 ± 0.02 (< 1.0) |
| Residual plasma content (%) | Approximately 30% |
Availability
Platelets are available in all ABO groups and RhD positive and negative groups. Group AB is manufactured on request.
Modifications
Apheresis platelets can be modified as irradiated, CMV seronegative and HLA-compatible and/or low anti-A/B titre.
Pooled platelets can only be CMV seronegative and/or irradiated.
See indications for use of platelets.
Updated March 2025
Related resources
Blood Component Information: An Extension of Blood Component Labels
Guide
Information Sheet
