Pooled platelet product using the Acrodose plus system: evaluation of feasibility, safety and efficacy

Pooling of whole blood-derived platelets is not practiced in India. Currently available data shows that pooled platelets are equivalent in quality and less costly when compared with apheresis platelets.

To evaluate feasibility, safety and efficacy of pooled platelets using the Acrodose Plus system.

Standardization of platelet pooling procedure was done. Sterile docking device was used to maintain closed system. Pools of ABO compatible platelets (N=40) as well as ABO incompatible (N=10) pooled platelets were studied. ABO antibody titers were studied before and after pooling in case of ABO incompatible platelet pools. Corrected count increments (CCIs) (at 1h and 24h) were noted after transfusion of pooled platelets and Apheresis platelets in matched patient groups.

Loss of platelet product due to pooling and leucodepletion was not statistically significant (p=0.23). Leucodepletion >3 log was achieved in all pooled platelets. The total platelet content, time taken for procedure and pH were within acceptable limits. There were no issues related to platelet availability and turn around time during the study period. There was a reduction in the ABO antibody titers after pooling in case of the ABO incompatible pools. None of the pooled platelets showed evidence of bacterial contamination on testing with eBDS system at 18 h and 24h intervals after pooling. CCI with pooled platelets was equivalent to that with apheresis platelets at 1h (p=0.36) and 24h (p=0.15).

Whole blood derived platelets can be pooled safely using closed system without altering the platelet quality in vitro as well as in vivo survival post transfusion. Pooled platelets can be a cost effective and safe alternative to thrombocytopenic patients whose transfusion requirements cannot be fulfilled with apheresis platelets alone.