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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Effect of interrupted agitation on quality of random donor platelets: A pilot study
Anoop Sharma1, Amit Pawar2, Rajat Jagani3
1Resident, Department of IH&BT, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, India.
Insights
Interrupted agitation for 4 days did not harm platelet concentrate (PC) quality, showing stable pH and lower activation markers. However, increased lactate suggests potential in vivo issues, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Platelet concentrates (PCs) require agitation during transport to prevent inefficient oxygen transfer.
- Extended stationary periods may impact platelet (PLT) viability.
- Current storage protocols often involve continuous agitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a 4-day interruption of agitation on PC quality and viability compared to continuous agitation.
- To determine if interrupted agitation has a detrimental effect on PCs stored for 5 days.
Main Methods:
- PCs were prepared and stored for 5 days at 20-24°C.
- Two groups were studied: continuous agitation (CA) and interrupted agitation (IA) for 4 days.
- Activation markers (CD62P, Annexin V) and blood gas parameters were analyzed on days 1, 3, and 5.
Main Results:
- PCs in the IA group maintained a stable pH (>6.7) despite the lack of agitation.
- Day 5 analysis showed significantly higher CD62P and Annexin V expression in the CA group.
- Lactate concentration increased in the IA group, correlating with interruption duration and platelet count.
Conclusions:
- Platelets can tolerate extended periods without agitation, challenging previous assumptions.
- Favorable in vitro parameters do not guarantee effective in vivo performance.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of interrupted agitation storage.
Background:
During the shipping and transportation of platelet concentrates (PCs) from blood centre to hospitals or to the war-affected areas in military settings, PCs experience minimal agitation for several hours up to 1-2 days. However, during stationary periods, platelets (PLTs) may suffer from inefficient oxygen transfer. Aim of the study was to explore whether interruption of agitation enhances quality and viability or has a detrimental impact on PCs with an objective to examine the impact of allowing 4- day interruption of agitation compared to continuous agitation on PCs stored for 5 days.
Methods:
PCs were prepared using the Platelet Rich Plasma method and stored for 5 days at 20- 24 °C in platelet incubator cum agitator. 20 PCs randomly divided into two groups, continuous agitation (CA) group - under continuous agitation for 5 days and interrupted agitation (IA) group - without agitation for 4 days. Activation markers and blood gas parameters were analyzed on days 1, 3 and 5 of storage.
Results:
Despite an extended period without agitation, pH remained stable (>6.7) in IA group. CD62P and Annexin V expression on Day 5 was higher in the CA group, with a statistically significant difference. Interruption of agitation resulted in increased lactate concentration, proportionate to the duration of interruption and platelet count.
Conclusion:
Our study suggests that platelets can endure longer periods without agitation than previously documented. It is crucial to recognize that favorable in vitro parameters do not necessarily translate to effective in vivo outcomes.
