Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are tiny cell fragments in your blood with a crucial role: stopping bleeding. They are essential for blood clotting and preventing excessive blood loss.
The Primary Function of Platelets: Hemostasis
Platelets' primary function is hemostasis—the process of stopping bleeding. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rush to the site of injury. There, they clump together, forming a plug (a blood clot) that seals the break in the vessel and prevents further blood loss. This process is vital for preventing both internal and external bleeding. [1, 3, 5, 7]
Medical Applications of Platelets
Beyond their natural role in hemostasis, platelets play a vital role in various medical treatments:
- Treating Bleeding Disorders: Patients with conditions that cause excessive bleeding, such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), often receive platelet transfusions to restore normal clotting function. [9]
- Cancer Treatment: Platelets are frequently given to cancer patients who have low platelet counts due to their treatment or the disease itself. [4, 9]
- Trauma, Burns, and Surgery: Individuals undergoing major surgeries, suffering from severe trauma, or experiencing extensive burns often require platelet transfusions to manage blood loss and promote clotting. [2]
- Organ and Bone Marrow Transplants: Platelet transfusions can be crucial during and after organ and bone marrow transplants to help prevent bleeding complications. [9]
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP, a concentration of platelets from a patient's own blood, is used in regenerative medicine to treat various conditions, including sports injuries (tendon, ligament, and muscle tears), osteoarthritis, and even hair loss. [7, 8]
Platelet Tests
Doctors may order platelet tests to diagnose conditions causing excessive bleeding or clotting problems. These tests measure the number of platelets and assess their function. [6]
