In vitro properties of concentrated canine platelets stored in two additive solutions: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• Platelet transfusion therapy in dogs faces challenges including donor availability and short product shelf-life.
• Platelet additive solutions (PAS) are utilized in human blood banking and present a potential alternative for veterinary use.
• This study investigates the efficacy of PAS in canine platelet concentrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the in vitro platelet function and viability of canine platelet concentrates stored in plasma versus two platelet additive solutions (Composol and SSP+).
• To evaluate the potential of PAS to extend the shelf-life of canine platelet products.

Main Methods:

• Canine platelet-rich plasma-platelet concentrate was prepared with either 100% plasma (control) or 35% plasma and 65% PAS (Composol or SSP+).
• Samples were analyzed over 13 days for swirling, platelet count, blood gases, metabolic variables, platelet activation, and apoptosis markers.

Main Results:

• Platelet additive solutions maintained acceptable pH and swirling for up to 9 days, with SSP+ showing greater stability until day 13.
• PAS units demonstrated better platelet metabolism, with reduced glucose consumption and lactate production compared to plasma alone.
• Apoptotic markers remained low for 9 days in PAS-treated platelet concentrates, indicating preserved viability.

Conclusions:

• Composol and SSP+ are potential alternatives for preserving canine platelet concentrates in veterinary blood banks.
• The use of these platelet additive solutions may allow for an extended shelf-life of canine platelet products.