Influence of pH on stored human platelets

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Platelets (PLTs) undergo storage lesion during room temperature storage.
• pH changes are observed during storage and suggested as a quality marker.
• The causal relationship between pH decrease and PLT storage lesion is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate platelet responses to varying applied pH values.
• To determine if pH changes induce or result from platelet storage lesion.

Main Methods:

• Platelets were washed and resuspended in additive solutions (PAS-IIIM) with or without plasma at pH values ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
• Platelets were stored at 22 degrees C for up to 6 days.
• In vitro quality measures and glycolytic flux were assessed.

Main Results:

• Extracellular pH did not significantly affect in vitro quality of platelets stored in 100% additive solution (AS) for 3 days.
• Increased glycolytic flux was observed at pH extremes, accelerating by Day 6.
• Platelets in 30% plasma-70% AS showed better quality and stability up to Day 6 compared to those in 100% AS.

Conclusions:

• Platelets stored in 100% AS tolerate a range of pH values without significant deterioration within 3 days.
• Platelets stored with plasma demonstrate enhanced ability to handle pH variations and maintain quality for 6 days.
• The study suggests that pH decrease is a consequence, not a cause, of platelet storage lesion.