Storage of platelet concentrates harvested from blood collected into dextrose-free preservative without agitation

This study addresses the possibility of platelet quality being maintained during storage by an endogenous metabolic fuel, while avoiding dextrose-induced lactate accumulation. This was achieved by harvesting platelet concentrates from blood donations collected into a dextrose-free anticoagulant. Adequate maintenance of all metabolic and functional parameters was observed in platelets from blood collected into 4% citrate. The requirement for platelets stored in CPD plasma to be agitated during storage was confirmed, but agitation could be omitted for dextrose-free platelets without increased lactate generation and a drop in pH. These results indicate that platelet concentrates from dextrose-free blood may be stored without some of the constraints accompanying platelet storage in conventional media, and may thus result in improved delivery of this product.