Platelet storage solution affects on the accuracy of laboratory tests for platelet function: a multi-laboratory...

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Platelet Physiology

Background:

• Extent of shape change (ESC) and hypotonic shock response (HSR) are established in vitro assays for platelet function.
• These assays traditionally use platelet-poor plasma (PPP) as the diluent.
• The increasing use of synthetic storage media for platelets necessitates evaluating their impact on assay diluents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of using platelet storage solutions versus plasma as diluents for ESC and HSR assays.
• To determine if storage media impacts the accuracy of in vitro platelet function testing.

Main Methods:

• Six laboratories participated in a multi-center study.
• Platelets were stored in either plasma or storage solution.
• ESC and HSR were tested on days 1 and 5 using autologous plasma, fresh-frozen plasma, or storage solution as diluents.

Main Results:

• Dilutions in storage solutions yielded significantly lower ESC and HSR results (over 30% reduction) compared to autologous plasma.
• Dilutions in fresh-frozen plasma also showed reduced results (over 16% reduction) compared to liquid autologous plasma.
• Both ESC and HSR measurements were significantly affected by the choice of diluent.

Conclusions:

• Test diluents significantly influence ESC and HSR assay outcomes.
• Plasma, particularly autologous plasma, is the recommended diluent for in vitro ESC and HSR testing.
• Results emphasize the importance of consistent diluent selection for reliable platelet function assessment, irrespective of storage media.