Bloodworks 101

Extending Platelet Shelf Life in the Stolla Lab (S5 E7)

Bloodworks Northwest

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Platelets -- the part of blood that helps control bleeding -- are lifesaving for cancer patients, those receiving organ or bone marrow transplants, victims of trauma, and patients undergoing open-heart surgery. But donated platelets have a shelf-life of only 5-7 days. What if we could extend the life of platelets? What if modern platelet use is based on outdated assumptions? Dr. Moritz Stolla of Bloodworks Research institute wants to find out.

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