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Storage of pooled platelet concentrates. In vitro and in vivo analysis

E L Snyder1, G Stack, P Napychank

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.

Transfusion
|June 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Pooling platelet concentrates (PCs) using sterile connecting devices allows for up to 5-day storage. This study found pooled PCs maintained acceptable in vitro storage and showed comparable in vivo recovery to unpooled platelets without lymphocyte activation.

Area of Science:

  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Blood Component Storage

Background:

  • Sterile connecting devices enable extended storage of pooled platelet concentrates (PCs).
  • Limited data exists on the long-term storage efficacy and safety of PCs pooled from multiple donors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro storage characteristics and in vivo recovery of pooled platelet concentrates (PCs) stored for up to 5 days.
  • To assess the potential for passenger lymphocyte activation within pooled PCs during storage.

Main Methods:

  • Four units of ABO-compatible or -incompatible PCs were pooled and stored in PL-732 bags for up to 5 days.
  • In vitro assays assessed storage values, pH, and lymphocyte activation markers (T-cell activation, 3H thymidine uptake).
  • In vivo studies transfused 4-unit pools of ABO-compatible PCs (stored up to 96 hours) into thrombocytopenic patients to determine correct count increments (CCI).

Main Results:

  • In vitro assays demonstrated acceptable storage values for pooled PCs, irrespective of ABO compatibility, comparable to unpooled controls.
  • Pool pH on Day 5 was 6.83 +/- 0.3.
  • In vivo studies showed a mean 1-hour CCI of 11,368 for pooled platelets versus 7819 for unpooled controls (p > 0.05).
  • No evidence of activated T-cell markers or 3H thymidine uptake was observed in lymphocytes from stored pooled PCs.

Conclusions:

  • Pooled platelet concentrates (PCs) can be stored for up to 5 days with acceptable in vitro quality.
  • Pooled PCs demonstrate comparable in vivo recovery to unpooled platelets.
  • Passenger lymphocyte activation is not a significant concern during the storage of pooled PCs.

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