Editing Platelet (section)

====Storage====
Platelets collected by either method have a typical shelf life of five days. This results in supply shortages, as testing donations often requires up to a full day. No effective preservative solutions have been devised for platelets.

Platelets are stored under constant agitation at {{convert|20|–|24|C|F}}. Units cannot be refrigerated as this causes platelets to change shape and lose function. Storage at room temperature provides an environment where any introduced bacteria may proliferate and subsequently cause [[bacteremia]]. The United States requires products to be tested for the presence of bacterial contamination before transfusion.<ref>{{cite book |author=AABB |title=Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services |publisher=AABB |location=Bethesda MD |date=2009 |edition=26th |isbn=978-1-56395-289-0 |oclc=630715051}}</ref>
[[File:Platelets collected by using apheresis.jpg|thumb|right|Platelets collected by using [[apheresis]] at an [[American Red Cross]] donation center]]