Storage of platelets prepared by discontinuous flow centrifugation

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Platelet concentrates are essential blood products for managing bleeding disorders.
• Proper storage conditions are critical for maintaining platelet function and viability.
• Previous studies have indicated potential issues with storage bag size, but further investigation is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the impact of different platelet storage bag capacities on platelet viability.
• To assess in vitro measures of platelet quality after storage in 300 ml and 2,000 ml bags.
• To identify optimal storage conditions for platelet concentrates.

Main Methods:

• Platelet concentrates were prepared using plateletpheresis and discontinuous flow centrifugation.
• Platelet units were stored in PL-146 bags of 300 ml and 2,000 ml capacities.
• In vitro viability measures, including pH, osmotic stress recovery, and morphology, were compared.

Main Results:

• Storage in 300 ml bags resulted in a significant decrease in pH, reduced recovery from osmotic stress, and morphological deterioration within 24 hours.
• Utilizing 2,000 ml capacity bags significantly mitigated these storage lesions.
• Larger bag volumes demonstrated a protective effect against storage-induced platelet damage.

Conclusions:

• The capacity of the storage bag significantly influences the quality and viability of platelet concentrates.
• Larger volume bags (2,000 ml) are superior to smaller volume bags (300 ml) for preserving platelet integrity during storage.
• Optimizing storage bag size is a key factor in improving the efficacy of platelet transfusion therapy.