Utility of preclinical assays to assess stored platelet function

Increased use of platelets and the brief shelf life allowed by storage at 22 °C are promoting exploration of new methods to store platelets. As storage may affect the hemostatic efficacy of platelets, it is very important to assess their in-vivo hemostatic efficacy. The potential usefulness of preclinical models in evaluating methods for storing platelets will be discussed.

The use of new technologies to examine the in-vitro characteristics of stored platelet products continues to evolve. Although in-vitro evaluation, coupled with posttransfusion recovery in healthy volunteers and studies in thrombocytopenic patients, are mainstays of evaluating new platelet products, the inclusion of preclinical animal models for the systematic evaluation of the in-vivo hemostatic function of these products would enhance the information gained from these studies.

The application of novel integrated platforms will be key in realizing advancements in the field of platelet storage. These preclinical models can be applied to rapidly assess the effect of new additive solutions and storage methods on platelet hemostatic function prior to performing human clinical trials.