Platelets for transfusion can be isolated from multiple whole blood donors or collected from a single donor through apheresis, which in some countries represents >90% of available platelet products. To maximize viability and minimize risk of bacterial contamination, platelets are usually stored at room temperature with agitation. Due to the potential for bacterial contamination, platelets have a limited shelf life of up to 7 days with current bacterial mitigation strategies. Irradiation and leukoreduction of platelet products decrease the risk of transfusion-associated graft versus host disease and other transfusion reactions. Judicious use of platelet transfusion, observing appropriate thresholds for transfusion in thrombocytopenic patients, and avoiding unnecessary transfusions are key components of inventory management. Current knowledge gaps exist between historical practice and available evidence, especially in the use of prophylactic transfusions in patients without severe thrombocytopenia and hematologic diagnoses.