Cryopreserved platelets and their suitability in being re-suspended in additive solution

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Biopreservation

Background:

• Cryopreserved platelets are typically stored in plasma.
• Platelet additive solutions (PAS) are increasingly used, necessitating evaluation for cryopreservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and effects of cryopreserving platelets in a platelet additive solution (SSP+).

Main Methods:

• Platelet concentrates were prepared and divided into two groups: one in plasma, the other in SSP+ with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
• Samples were analyzed pre-cryopreservation, post-thaw, and 4 hours post-thaw for various parameters.

Main Results:

• Post-thaw, platelets in SSP+ showed increased annexin V, decreased GP1bα binding sites, and reduced shape change (HSR, ESC).
• Thromboelasticity remained within normal parameters, indicating functional viability.
• Increased extracellular vesicles and reduced platelet counts suggested some cryopreservation-induced damage.

Conclusions:

• Cryopreservation of platelets in SSP+ is feasible, though it induces some cellular damage.
• Despite observed changes, platelets stored in SSP+ maintain sufficient viability for clinical application according to UK guidelines.