Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Cryopreserved platelets

Cryopreserved platelets are platelets that have been frozen and stored for extended periods, then thawed for transfusion to restore hemostatic function in patients with thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction.

Cryopreserved platelets are platelets that have been frozen and stored for extended periods, then thawed for transfusion to restore hemostatic function in patients with thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction. Used for Thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients requiring platelet transfusion, Perioperative bleeding management in patients with platelet dysfunction or deficiency.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Cryopreservation uses cryoprotectants and controlled freezing to maintain platelet viability during long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures, extending shelf life beyond the standard 5-day room-temperature storage. Upon thawing and transfusion, these platelets restore platelet count and function to support hemostasis in critically ill or bleeding patients. This approach addresses the logistical challenges of platelet inventory management and availability in emergency and intensive care settings.

Approved indications

• Thrombocytopenia in critically ill patients requiring platelet transfusion
• Perioperative bleeding management in patients with platelet dysfunction or deficiency

Common side effects

• Transfusion reaction
• Alloimmunization
• Platelet refractoriness
• Infection risk (if contamination occurs)

Key clinical trials

• A Platform Protocol to Investigate Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide-Based Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Undergoing Mismatched Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (PHASE2)
• Delayed Cold-Stored Platelets -PLTS-1 (PHASE2)
• Platelet Cryopreservation
• DMSO Cryopreserved Platelets in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery (CRYPTICS) (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• The Cryopreserved vs. Liquid Platelets Trial (PHASE3)
• Storage Temperature and Quality of Leucoreduced Whole Blood (NA)
• Improving the Quality of Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue Reimplantation Using Platelet-enriched Autologous Plasma (NA)
• The Effects of Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma Supplement During Sperm Cryopreservation on Post-cryopreserved Sperm Quality (NA)

Primary sources

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