Evaluation of two instruments for noninvasive platelet concentrate quality assessment

The Platelet Monitoring System (PMS) and the Non-invasive Assessment of Platelet Shape and Concentration (NAPSAC) instruments which relate light scattering characteristics of platelet concentrates (PC) to platelet concentration and shape, were evaluated to determine their accuracy in assessing platelet quality during storage from 1 to 7 days. The results were correlated with platelet concentration, % discs and pH on 121 PC stored in PL732 containers. NAPSAC output is in the form of platelet concentration and % discs. When NAPSAC and standard method values were compared, correlation coefficients (r) did not exceed 0.76 for counts and 0.62 for % discs. PMS output is in the form of lights with red indicating poor quality and green or amber indicating acceptable quality. Sensitivity of the PMS instrument did not exceed 83% and specificity did not exceed 63%. Mean platelet number, % discs and pH were comparable for units triggering red versus green or amber lights. In a separate study, 13 PL732 PC stored 5 days and transfused autologously were evaluated on the PMS. Three red light units exhibited recovery and survival times similar to those observed with PC triggering green/amber lights. These data indicate that neither instrument adequately assesses the quality of PL732 PC.