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The effect of pathogen reduction technology (Mirasol) on platelet quality when treated in additive solution with low
L Johnson1, K M Winter, S Reid
1Research and Business Development, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Background And Objectives:
Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) for platelets are now compatible with both plasma and platelet additive solutions (PAS). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of PRT on the platelet storage lesion, in the presence of PAS with low plasma carryover.
Materials And Methods:
PRT-treated (Mirasol) and untreated buffy coat-derived platelet concentrates prepared in 28% plasma/PAS-IIIM were evaluated using in vitro cell quality parameters on days 1, 2, 5, and 7 post-collection.
Results:
At day 5, there were no significant differences between control and PRT treated platelets for swirl, viability, pO(2) , pCO(2) , mean platelet volume and adenosine diphosphate-induced aggregation. PRT treatment did not affect the functional integrity of the mitochondria. However, PRT resulted in a decrease in pH and enhancement of platelet glycolysis and activation, evidenced by increased glucose consumption and lactate production rates, increased expression of CD62P, CD63, annexin V staining and increased secretion of cytokines (P < 0.05). Hypotonic shock response and aggregation in response to collagen were also significantly reduced in PRT treated platelets (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Despite the observed differences in platelet metabolism and activation observed following PRT treatment in PAS and low plasma carryover, the results suggest that treatment and storage of platelets in PAS is no more detrimental to platelets than treatment and storage in plasma.
Insights
Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) for platelets, when used with platelet additive solutions (PAS), did not worsen platelet storage lesion compared to plasma. PRT did increase platelet activation and metabolism but did not impact mitochondrial function.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Blood Component Processing
- Platelet Biology
Background:
- Pathogen reduction technologies (PRT) are now compatible with platelet additive solutions (PAS).
- Platelet concentrates are prepared using buffy coat methods in 28% plasma/PAS-IIIM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of PRT on platelet storage lesion in PAS with low plasma carryover.
- To assess in vitro platelet quality parameters after PRT treatment.
Main Methods:
- PRT-treated (Mirasol) and untreated platelet concentrates were compared.
- In vitro cell quality parameters were assessed on days 1, 2, 5, and 7 post-collection.
Main Results:
- PRT did not significantly affect swirl, viability, gas levels, mean platelet volume, or ADP-induced aggregation at day 5.
- PRT increased platelet glycolysis, activation markers (CD62P, CD63, annexin V), and cytokine secretion.
- Mitochondrial function remained intact, but hypotonic shock response and collagen-induced aggregation were reduced.
Conclusions:
- PRT treatment in PAS with low plasma carryover leads to increased platelet metabolism and activation.
- Despite metabolic changes, PRT treatment and storage in PAS are not more detrimental than in plasma.
- PRT may alter platelet function, necessitating further investigation into clinical implications.

