blood disorders
Blood Products
Platelets
Platelets are small cell-like particles in the blood that help clots form. Platelets are usually given to people with too few platelets ( Overview of Thrombocytopenia ), which may result in severe and spontaneous bleeding. Platelets can be stored for only 5 days because they are kept at room temperature. In the past, several donors were needed to provide enough platelets to benefit one person. Current apheresis collection techniques that better separate platelets from other blood components allow a single donor to provide enough platelets for one person's needs. 