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Platelet Transfusion Thresholds — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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EasyOncological EmergenciesPlatelet Transfusion ThresholdsSCE Medical Oncology

A 62-year-old man with cancer develops chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (platelets 8 × 10⁹/L) with mucosal bleeding. What is the platelet transfusion threshold for active bleeding?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Platelet transfusion threshold

NICE NG24 Blood transfusion: platelets <10 prophylactic; <20 with infection; <50 active bleeding/procedures; <100 CNS. Each adult dose of pooled platelets raises count by ~20-40 × 10⁹/L. Refractoriness (HLA antibodies) may require HLA-matched platelets.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer