The Importance of Cross-Match Platelets

The only time that we order HLA-matched platelets is when we have a patient who has made so many antibodies that they make antibodies to usually it's more than 95% of the population. Then it can come hard to find antigen negative platelets. And in that case, the blood center will have to recruit specific donors instead of using what is available in inventory. It doesn't do your patient any good if you get them an HLA-managed platelet and they've led into their head 24 hours from now.