Guidelines for the use of platelet transfusions

These guidelines are based on many years experience in the use of platelet transfusions by the authors, on searching the literature in MedLine and other databases using appropriate keywords, and a review of the existing guidelines published by expert groups [British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH), 1992; Schiffer et al, 2001], including a previous guideline on platelet transfusions (BCSH, 1992) and the recommendations of Consensus Conferences (National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference, 1987; Consensus Conference on Platelet Transfusion, 1998). The section on indications for platelet transfusions was drafted in collaboration with the Haemato-Oncology Task Force of the BCSH. The authors were selected to encompass a wide range of interests in platelet transfusion therapy, including clinical and laboratory haematology, paediatrics, surgery, anaesthetics and critical care, and nursing.