Residual aggregates in platelet products: what do we know?

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Blood Component Processing

Background:

• Platelet (PLT) aggregates can arise during or after PLT component processing.
• Limited research exists on the clinical significance of these aggregates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available information on PLT aggregates in PLT products.
• To discuss potential causes and strategies for preventing PLT aggregate formation.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review of the MEDLINE® database was performed.
• Publications from 1960 to May 2013 were analyzed.

Main Results:

• PLT aggregates typically dissipate with rest and agitation but can persist in rare cases.
• Factors influencing aggregate formation include temperature, pH, collection systems, and donor variables.
• Small numbers of PLT aggregates show limited impact on in vitro PLT quality, with scarce data on clinical impact.

Conclusions:

• Published data on PLT aggregates in blood products are limited.
• Further studies are essential to understand the clinical impact of PLT aggregates.
• Research should also focus on effective strategies to prevent PLT aggregate formation.