Developing nursing practice in platelet transfusions.

: The number of platelet transfusions has risen steadily over the past five years. This article addresses some of the reasons for this increase and examines current transfusion practice in relation to findings of national audits of platelet use and current research. It explores the extended role of the nurse in platelet transfusions, including nurse authorisation, and presents an overview of education material available to inform practice and to ensure judicious use of platelet transfusions with maximum benefit for the patient.