Comparative analysis of in vitro properties of platelets stored in three different platelet additive solutions: A pilot study

Platelets are stored in plasma or in a combination of plasma and platelet additive solution (PAS). The use of PASs allows greater plasma recovery from whole blood, minimizes adverse effects, facilitates ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions, and supports the use of photochemical pathogen reduction technologies. This study evaluated and compared the in vitro properties of apheresis-derived platelets stored in three different PASs: Intersol (PAS-C), T PAS+ (PAS-E), and plasmalyte A with the help of biochemical and metabolic parameters and platelet surface markers.

The aim and objectives of this study were to compare in vitro properties of platelets stored in three different PASs.

A comparative observational study was conducted for 1 year in which platelet concentrates (PCs) were collected using the apheresis technique and stored in three different PASs - Intersol (n = 10), T-PAS+ (n = 10), and plasmalyte A (n = 10). On day 1 and day 5, samples were collected from PCs and evaluated for change in their in vitro properties with the help of biochemical and metabolic parameters and platelet surface markers.

During the storage period of 5 days, swirling was maintained but the number of platelets decreased in all PASs. pH decreased significantly in T-PAS+ and Intersol. pO₂ decreased significantly in T-PAS+ and pCO₂ increased in T-PAS+ as well as plasmalyte A. Intersol showed higher lactate production and glucose metabolism. P-selectin increased significantly in Intersol and T-PAS+ but plasmalyte A showed the lowest increment in expression of Annexin V.

T-PAS+ and plasmalyte A were found to be better alternatives to Intersol as PAS for PCs for storage as they promote better maintenance of platelets and lower platelet activation.