Optimized pathogen reduction of double-dose platelets pooled from seven buffy coats using the TACSI® system

Area of Science:

• Blood banking and transfusion medicine
• Biotechnology and medical devices
• Hematology

Background:

• Pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) are crucial for enhancing blood product safety by minimizing risks of infectious contamination.
• Whole blood-derived platelet pools are essential components of transfusion therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the in vitro quality and function of double-dose (DD) platelet pools prepared using the Terumo Automated Centrifuge & Separator Integration (TACSI) system and pathogen-reduced (PR) with the INTERCEPT™ Blood System (IBS).
• To evaluate the efficacy of IBS in maintaining platelet viability and function in large-volume platelet pools.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of DD platelet pools from seven buffy coats using the TACSI system and platelet additive solution E.
• Treatment of pooled platelets with IBS or as untreated controls, followed by storage for 8 days at 22°C.
• Assessment of platelet quality using standard tests and flow cytometry at baseline and various storage time points.

Main Results:

• All platelet pools met European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) specifications.
• IBS treatment led to a significant decrease in platelet concentration but maintained similar stability in mean platelet volume (MPV), gas exchange, and pH compared to untreated units.
• Increased CD62P expression and phosphatidylserine exposure indicated comparable storage lesion and apoptosis in both groups, with no difference in pro-coagulant activity.

Conclusions:

• The INTERCEPT™ Blood System is effective for pathogen reduction in large-volume platelet pools.
• IBS maintains essential platelet functionality, supporting its use for transfusion purposes and enhancing patient safety.