Primary Component

Platelets

What it is

Cell fragments that help blood clot. Often given to patients with low platelet counts or active bleeding.

Derived from: Whole Blood

If you accept vs. refuse

Accept Why some people accept

Essential for blood clotting — critical in thrombocytopenia
Often needed during chemotherapy, bone marrow disorders, or major surgery
No direct pharmaceutical substitute exists for platelet function

Refuse Why some people refuse

Short shelf life (5 days) increases contamination risk compared to other products
Alternatives: tranexamic acid, desmopressin, and surgical hemostasis techniques can reduce need
Considered a primary blood component in many faith traditions

Alternatives

Pharmaceutical Tranexamic Acid An antifibrinolytic drug that prevents blood clots from breaking down, reducing surgical bleeding by 25-30%.

Related concepts

Topic Transfusion Risks Adverse effects of blood transfusion including infections, immune reactions, transfusion-related lung injury (TRALI), and iron overload.

Topic Faith & Conscience Religious and conscientious considerations in blood-related medical decisions. Some faiths distinguish between primary components and fractions.

Medical references

WHO PBM Guidelines (2021) World Health Organization guidelines on Patient Blood Management. Endorses bloodless care strategies as standard of care. →Henry et al. (2011) Anti-fibrinolytic use for minimising perioperative blood transfusion. Cochrane Review. →

In your Directive

Your directive will indicate that you refuse platelet transfusions from donors.

Make this choice in your Directive

Your blood product decisions are recorded clearly and shared with your Care Team.

Create your Directive