Stored platelet functionality is not decreased after warming with a fluid warmer

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Routine warming of IV fluids and blood products aims to maintain normothermia.
• Current guidelines prohibit warming of platelets (PLTs) without supporting evidence.
• This study investigated the impact of warming on stored PLT function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if warming stored platelets affects their functional integrity.
• To challenge existing transfusion guidelines regarding platelet warming.

Main Methods:

• Ten units of stored platelets were divided into control and warmed samples.
• Warmed samples were passed through a blood-warming device (2 minutes at 37.8°C).
• Platelet function was assessed using aggregometry and thromboelastography.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in platelet aggregometry or thromboelastography between control and warmed samples.
• Minor, non-significant changes were noted in specific functional parameters.
• Warming did not lead to a clinically significant impairment of platelet function.

Conclusions:

• The findings do not support the current prohibition against mechanical warming of platelets.
• Further studies on platelet activation post-warming are warranted.
• This pilot study suggests warming may be safe for stored platelets.