OBJECTIVE: Viral transmission of current (e.g., HIV) infectious blood-borne pathogens via platelet transfusion is high in China, and emerging pathogens (e.g., SARS) continue to threaten the blood supply despite recent advances in blood-banking procedures and security. The INTERCEPT Blood System (IBS) for platelets has been developed to further reduce pathogen transmission risks during platelet transfusions. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of using random-donor platelets (RDP) processed with IBS in China. METHODS: A literature-based decision analysis model was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of the IBS in four patient populations that account for most of the platelet usage in China: 1) a ten-year old male with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL); 2) a 50-year old male with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL); 3) a 60-year old male undergoing heart bypass surgery (CABG); and 4) a 70-year old female undergoing a hip arthroplasty. Pathogen exposure included HIV, HCV, HBV and bacterial contamination. The model compared projected quality-adjusted life-year saved (QALY) and costs for patients receiving untreated vs. treated platelets. RESULTS: The incremental cost per QALY gained by using RDP+IBS vs. RDP ranged in the most conservative scenario from Yuan321,000 - Yuan4,665,000. Sensitivity analysis including transmission rates reported from epidemic regions improved the cost-effectiveness dramatically ranging from Yuan38,000 - Yuan565,000. The model was most sensitive to the rate of HIV transmission and the mortality from bacterial infection. CONCLUSION: IBS for platelets would be a cost-effective measure to improve blood safety in China. Given the relatively high risk of HIV and other viral agents in China as compared to developed countries, and the recent history of emerging and migrating viruses, pathogen inactivation with IBS may be considered as a desirable strategy to significantly improve the safety of platelet transfusions.