The spleen and liver are the primary organs responsible for removing platelets from circulation.
The Spleen's Role in Platelet Removal
The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering blood and removing old or damaged blood cells, including platelets. As stated by the NHS (https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/spleen-problems-and-spleen-removal/), "The spleen controls the level of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets (small cells that form blood clots)." It actively screens the blood and removes those that are no longer functioning optimally. A study on platelet removal highlights the spleen's significant role in this process (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/696842/).
The Liver's Contribution to Platelet Clearance
While the spleen is a major player, the liver also contributes to platelet removal from the circulation. Research indicates that alterations in platelet clearance are linked to changes in platelet localization within the liver and spleen (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/696842/). The liver's filtering function ensures that the blood is kept clean and free of damaged or aged platelets.
Medical Procedures and Platelet Removal
Several medical procedures directly involve the removal of platelets. Plateletpheresis, for example, is a procedure where platelets are separated from whole blood, concentrated, and collected (https://www.cc.nih.gov/bloodbank/donation-types/platelets). In cases of excessively high platelet counts (thrombocythemia), splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) may be considered, further highlighting the spleen's importance in regulating platelet levels (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/thrombocythemia-thrombocytosis).
