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Published on: August 14, 2017
In vitro analysis of volume-reduced washed platelet concentrates stored in bicarbonated Ringer's solution containing
S Oikawa1, M Minegishi1, K Endo1
1Japanese Red Cross Tohoku Block Blood Center, Sendai, Japan.
Insights
Volume-reduced washed platelet concentrates (PCs) stored in a novel solution maintained quality for 5 days. This innovative approach offers a safe alternative for transfusion patients, especially in pediatric settings.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Volume-reduced washed platelet concentrates (PCs) are crucial for preventing transfusion complications like circulatory overload and allergic reactions.
- These specialized PCs are particularly needed for pediatric patients and individuals at risk of fluid overload.
- Current storage methods require evaluation for optimized quality and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vitro quality of volume-reduced washed platelet concentrates (PCs) stored for 5 days.
- To evaluate a novel acetate-free platelet additive solution (PAS) containing glucose and bicarbonate (BRS-A) with minimal residual plasma protein (<5%).
- To compare the quality of PCs stored in BRS-A with conventional plasma storage.
Main Methods:
- Platelet concentrates (PCs) from apheresis donations were divided into control (100% plasma) and test (volume-reduced, washed, BRS-A) units.
- Test units were washed and stored in 90 ml of BRS-A, while control units were stored in 200 ml of plasma without washing.
- In vitro properties, including pH, platelet concentration, glucose consumption, lactate production, hypotonic shock response, and activation marker expression (CD62P, CD42b), were monitored over 5 days.
Main Results:
- Volume-reduced washed PCs achieved a twofold lower mean volume (91 ml) and removed >98% of plasma protein.
- Initial mean platelet concentration in test units was twofold higher (20.5 × 10^11 /l) than in controls.
- Test units maintained pH >7.0 for 5 days, with higher glucose consumption and lactate production, leading to glucose depletion by Day 3. Activation markers remained comparable between groups.
Conclusions:
- The novel BRS-A solution effectively maintains the in vitro quality of volume-reduced washed platelets.
- A 90-ml volume of BRS-A appears adequate for preserving platelet quality for at least 2 days, considering its pH buffering capacity.
- This approach supports the development of safer and more effective platelet transfusion strategies.
Background And Objectives:
Volume-reduced washed platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs) can prevent circulatory overload and allergic reactions in patients undergoing PLT transfusions. For these reasons, they are in demand for paediatric settings and for patients at risk of circulatory overload. Here, we evaluated the quality of volume-reduced washed PCs stored for 5 days in a novel acetate-free PLT additive solution (PAS) containing glucose and bicarbonate (BRS-A) with <5% residual plasma protein.
Materials And Methods:
PCs from two apheresis donations were mixed and divided equally into control and test units. For the test unit (volume-reduced washed PCs), PLTs were washed and stored in 90 ml BRS-A with <5% plasma protein. PLTs in the control unit were stored in 200 ml 100% plasma without any washing manipulations. The in vitro properties of PLTs in both units were compared over a 5-day storage period.
Results:
The procedure for volume-reduced washed PCs effectively removed >98% plasma protein in 100% plasma PCs and yielded an approximately twofold lower mean volume (91 ml) compared to that observed with the control units. Immediately after washing, the mean PLT concentration of the test units was 20·5 × 10(11) /l, twofold higher than that of the control units. The pH (37°C) levels in the test unit remained above 7·0 for 5 days. Glucose consumption and lactate production rates of the test units on days 1-3 were higher than those of the control units, leading to glucose exhaustion in the test unit by Day 3. Hypotonic shock responses and CD62P and CD42b expression levels in both units were comparable during 5-day storage.
Conclusion:
Considering the pH buffering capacity of BRS-A, a 90-ml volume may be acceptable for maintaining the in vitro quality of washed PLTs for at least 2 days.

