Pre-transfusion screening for platelet-reactive antibodies.

We retrospectively compared the cost of platelet concentrates (PCs) used for patients whose serum had already been screened for platelet-reactive antibodies with the cost for patients whose serum was examined after the commencement of treatment using platelets. On the basis of 774 patients' data, the mean cost of PCs for the latter group of patients ($5562) was higher than that for the former group ($2547). Screening beforehand ensured a prompt supply of specific PCs, and costs were suppressed by the avoidance of multiple transfusions. We conclude that screening for platelet-reactive antibodies followed by administration of crossmatch-negative PCs appears to be both clinically and economically advantageous.