Washing platelets in neutral, calcium-free, Ringer's acetate

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Washed platelets (PLTs) are crucial for patients with allergic reactions.
• Current washing methods lead to PLT loss and short storage times, causing product wastage.
• Improved washing procedures are needed to extend postwash storage duration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a neutral, calcium-free, Ringer's acetate (NRA) washing method for apheresis platelets.
• To assess PLT recovery, function, and morphology after washing.
• To determine the potential for extended storage of washed PLTs.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six units of outdated apheresis PLT concentrates were washed using NRA.
• PLTs were analyzed for count, morphology (electron microscopy), and function (thromboelastography) pre- and postwash.
• PLTs were allowed a 0.5-hour recovery period postwash.

Main Results:

• Achieved 71% PLT recovery and 96% plasma removal.
• Electron microscopy confirmed unchanged PLT morphology postwash.
• Thromboelastography indicated a minor decrease in clot strength, independent of PLT concentration.

Conclusions:

• NRA washing effectively preserves PLT number and in vitro function.
• Extended storage of washed PLTs may be feasible with closed-system cell washers.
• This method offers a promising approach to reduce wastage and improve availability of washed PLTs.