PAS or plasma for storage of platelets? A concise review

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Platelet additive solutions (PASs) are increasingly utilized for platelet storage, replacing traditional plasma storage.
• PASs are electrolyte solutions designed to maintain and improve platelet quality during storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and benefits of using PASs for platelet concentrate storage.
• To compare PAS storage with traditional plasma storage regarding platelet quality and clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of platelet storage in PASs, focusing on electrolyte composition and buffering capacity.
• Comparison of transfusion reaction rates, platelet recovery, survival, and corrected count increments between PAS and plasma storage.

Main Results:

• PASs contain acetate, potassium, and magnesium, which help maintain pH and reduce spontaneous platelet activation.
• Platelets stored in PASs result in approximately half the number of allergic transfusion reactions compared to those in plasma.
• Platelet recovery, survival, and corrected count increments are equivalent or superior for platelets stored in PAS compared to plasma.

Conclusions:

• Current PAS formulations are effective in preserving platelet quality and function during storage.
• PASs should be preferred over plasma for storing platelet concentrates due to improved safety and efficacy profiles.