This essay is a review of the various biophysical and biochemical events that make up the
factors responsible for platelet cold-induced activation. It describes the formation of large
membrane domains composed of raft aggregates that occur during chilling and storage. It
also presents strong evidence that platelet membranes undergo lateral phase separation
during prolonged storage in the cold and suggests that raft aggregation and lateral phase
separation are key events which must be obviated to stabilize platelets and store them either …