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Updated: May 11, 2026

Treatment of Platelet Products with Riboflavin and UV Light: Effectiveness Against High Titer Bacterial Contamination
Published on: August 24, 2015
Treatment of buffy coat platelets in platelet additive solution with the mirasol(®) pathogen reduction technology
Azucena Castrillo1, Marcia Cardoso, Lindsay Rouse
1Centro de Transfusion de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Background:
The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT) system uses riboflavin and ultraviolet light and is currently approved and used in Europe for the treatment of platelets and plasma. Mirasol treatment is intended to reduce the infectious pathogen load and to inactivate leukocytes in blood products. Our objective was to evaluate buffy coat platelet concentrates (BCPCs) prepared with platelet additive solution (PAS) and treated with the Mirasol system and to examine the effects on platelet cell quality during storage.
Methods:
26 BCPCs were prepared and split, creating 13 paired control and test units. The test units were treated with the Mirasol system and the platelet quality was assessed in all units over 7 days of storage.
Results:
All products met the incoming specifications for Mirasol treatment, and the pH of all Mirasol-treated BCPCs in PAS met the requirements of the Council of Europe guidelines throughout storage. Analysis of lactate production and glucose consumption rates, CD62p expression and cytokines indicates enhanced cellular metabolism in treated platelets, but the levels were within previously published ranges.
Conclusion:
While Mirasol-treated BCPCs in PAS had increased metabolism and activation compared to controls, the results indicate that these units can be stored for 7 days with acceptable cell quality.
Insights
Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT) effectively treats buffy coat platelet concentrates in platelet additive solution (PAS), maintaining acceptable cell quality for 7-day storage. Treated platelets show enhanced metabolism and activation within normal ranges.
Area of Science:
- Blood banking and transfusion medicine
- Biotechnology and medical devices
- Hematology
Background:
- Mirasol pathogen reduction technology (PRT) uses riboflavin and UV light to reduce pathogen load and inactivate leukocytes in blood products.
- Currently approved in Europe for treating platelets and plasma.
- Evaluates Mirasol system's impact on buffy coat platelet concentrates (BCPCs) in platelet additive solution (PAS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the quality of buffy coat platelet concentrates (BCPCs) prepared with PAS and treated with the Mirasol system.
- To examine the effects of Mirasol treatment on platelet cell quality during a 7-day storage period.
Main Methods:
- 26 BCPCs were prepared and divided into paired control and test units.
- Test units underwent Mirasol system treatment.
- Platelet quality was assessed over 7 days of storage.
Main Results:
- All products met Mirasol treatment specifications.
- Mirasol-treated BCPCs in PAS maintained required pH throughout storage.
- Analysis indicated enhanced cellular metabolism and activation in treated platelets, with levels within established ranges.
Conclusions:
- Mirasol-treated BCPCs in PAS exhibit increased metabolism and activation compared to controls.
- These treated platelet units maintain acceptable cell quality for 7-day storage.
- Mirasol PRT is a viable option for enhancing blood product safety.

