Genesis Alvarado/Cronkite News

A device separates platelets from a donor’s blood.

Hospitals across the country are encountering platelet shortages. Platelets are cell pieces involved in the blood clotting process.

An article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighted the need for new technology as a solution as storage of platelets is currently limited.

William Riley with ASU’s College of Health Solutions contributed to the article.

“The only way it can be obtained is from donations, and it does not last very long so it cannot be stored for a long time. Not beyond five days," he said.

According to him, obtaining the new technology involves a lengthy process, including receiving FDA approval. In Arizona, nonprofit organization Vitalant often requests donations for platelets.