First Indian initiative for preparation of low-titer group "O" single-donor platelets with platelet additive solution

Guidelines recommend ABO-identical platelet (PLT) transfusions. Hemolytic reactions after a minor ABO-incompatible PLT transfusion have escalated due to single-donor platelets (SDP) containing ABO-incompatible plasma. Avoiding such events by examining titers or performing plasma reduction is cumbersome. The introduction of platelet additive solutions (PAS) has enabled to reduce these reactions by avoiding passive transfer of isoagglutinin. Our aim was to study antibody titers (anti-A, anti-B) in "O" SDP by adding PAS at source and the quality parameters with reference to viability, morphology, and metabolism.

Group "O" SDP (n = 50) were prepared on a standard cell separator. PAS in a ratio of 70:30 (PAS: plasma) was added at source under sterile conditions (study arm). The units were studied on day of collection (day 0) and day 4 and compared with SDP containing 100% plasma (control arm). A titer study was performed after PAS addition.

In the study group, the median antibody titers (anti-A, anti-B) reduced from 128 to16, post-PAS addition (P < 0.001). Morphology scores were superior in PAS platelet concentrates (P < 0.001). Metabolic parameters pO₂ and pCO₂ were similar in the two arms signifying good unit storage and stable oxygen consumption (P > 0.05). Lactate levels, glucose consumption rate, and lactate production rates were significantly low in study arm showing the advantage of PAS.

O group SDPs can be prepared with PAS and the beneficial effects were significant with respect to antibody titers. Quality parameters were well maintained. Availability of PAS units has benefitted patients.