Storage of platelet concentrates--an in vitro study of four types of plastic packs

Four types of plastic blood collection packs were studied for their ability to preserve platelet function during a 5 d storage period. The platelet concentrates were stored in polyvinyl chloride (Tuta Laboratories), PL 1240 and PL 732 (Fenwal Laboratories) and CLX (Cutter Laboratories) packs, on a Fenwal elliptical rotator at 20 degrees-24 degrees C. Plasma pH, lactate concentration, hypotonic shock response (HSR), platelet aggregation in response to ADP, collagen and ristocetin and levels of the plasticisers, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and tri-ethylhexyl trimellitate (TEHTM), were measured. Morphological changes were assessed by electron microscopy. No significant fall in pH occurred in any type of pack but in vitro function and platelet morphology was generally better preserved in Tuta and CLX packs than in PL 732 and PL 1240. Very little TEHTM leached out of the PL 1240 and CLX packs whereas the mean concentration of DEHP in the platelet concentrates stored in Tuta packs was 27.4 mg/100 ml plasma after 5 d of storage. The results indicate that it is possible to prepare and store platelet concentrates in polyvinyl chloride plastic packs for a period of 5 d and maintain their function and viability.