unwashed platelets

Unwashed platelets are platelet transfusion products prepared from donor blood without removal of plasma or other blood components, in contrast to washed platelets that undergo a washing process to remove plasma proteins, antibodies, and other substances. Unwashed platelets are commonly used for transfusion in a variety of clinical settings for patients with thrombocytopenia or active bleeding. The main mechanism is to supplement or replace recipient platelets, facilitating normal hemostasis by enabling platelet aggregation and clot formation at sites of vascular injury. Unwashed platelets may carry a higher risk of transfusion reactions compared to washed platelets in sensitive populations, due to retained plasma proteins and other soluble substances. They are generally transfused intravenously and are the standard form of platelet product in most transfusion protocols.

Other names

platelet concentratestandard plateletsconventional platelets