When platelets are transfused to a recipient with a specific antibody directed against a given antigen, the survival time of the transfused platelets can be significantly reduced. If refractoriness to platelets of allo-immune etiology is documented, compatible HLA or HPA platelets obtained through apheresis are indicated.

Compatible HLA or HPA platelets are platelets collected through apheresis and whose HPA (Human Platelet Antigen) and HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) antigens expressed on the surface of the platelets have been identified.

Donors for whom these HLAs and HPAs are identified are listed in a donor registry, and their donations are earmarked for the transfusion needs for compatible HLA or HPA platelets.

Compatibility between donors and patients is determined based on similarities between the HLAs and HPAs expressed on the platelets.

Note

If the patient has not been tested for anti-HLA/anti-HPA antibodies within the last six months, you must send the patient’s samples to Héma-Québec, along with the Requête d'analyses pour sérologie et génotypage plaquettaire, in French only.

In the event of a discrepancy between the information on this page and what is in the Circular of information, the latter will take precedence.