The operational impact of introducing cold stored platelets

Cold stored platelets (CSP) undergo physical changes that make them better at initiating a clot. While cold stored platelets are superior for reducing bleeding in actively bleeding patients, room temperature platelets (RTP) are better for increasing platelet count in patients requiring a prophylactic transfusion. However, whether the overhead required to maintain a dual platelet inventory of both RTP and CSP could be compensated by reduced platelet wastage resulting from the longer shelf life of CSP has not been determined.

A simulation model of a regional blood supply was built, with focus on the operations of a case hospital. Two scenarios were considered: "No-CSP," in which the hospital issues only RTP, and "CSP," in which the hospital issues both RTP and CSP Within the CSP scenario, conditions were tested under which the hospital receives only RTP and converts some to cold stored platelets and a second strategy where the hospital receives CSP from the regional supplier in addition to converting RTP.

A centralized supply of CSP is necessary since on-site conversion is limited by platelet age. Product shortages decrease with increased CSP inventory, but CSP wastage increases. It was also determined that, because relatively few RTP units can be converted on-site, RTP wastage is not significantly decreased with the introduction of CSP.

Given the clinical benefits for treatment of trauma, CSP is a desirable addition to a blood formulary. However, it is unlikely that significant reductions in RTP wastage will occur because of the introduction of CSP.