Sherrill Slichter Laboratory

The Slichter laboratory is focused on platelet transfusion research. Platelets are the blood cells involved in blood clotting. Platelets are prepared for transfusion by taking donated whole blood units and spinning them in a centrifuge. By using specific spinning conditions, the smaller, lighter platelets can be separated from the heavier red and white cells. Platelets are then stored in a small amount of residual plasma (the fluid part of the blood). Dr. Slichter's lab's research efforts are aimed at making the best possible use of donated platelets by better gauging the appropriate dose for a patient, keeping stored, donated platelets usable for a longer period of time, and reducing the likelihood that a patient's immune system will reject the transfused platelets.

Areas of Study

  • Determining the appropriate dose of platelets to give cancer patients to prevent bleeding
  • Assessing whether we can extend the storage time of platelets
  • Developing techniques for preventing patients from recognizing donor platelets as foreign and rejecting them
  • Read more

Dr. Slichter's Background

  • Joined the Blood Center in 1970
  • Director, Platelet Transfusion Research
  • Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine
  • M.D., George Washington University, Washington, DC (1963)
  

Sherrill Slichter, MD
Director, Platelet Transfusion Research
Puget Sound Blood Center

Professor of Medicine
Division of Hematology
School of Medicine
University of Washington
School of Medicine

Puget Sound Blood Center
921 Terry Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104

Phone: (206) 292-6541

Ginny Knight
Assistant to the Director, Platelet Transfusion Research
Email: ginnyk@psbc.org
Phone: (206) 292-6540
FAX: (866)287-7209