Rapid preparation of fresh platelet concentrates from CPD-blood by (mild) acidification

Two methods of preparation of platelet concentrates (PC) derived from citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) whole blood have been compared: (1) resuspension after having left the PC undisturbed at room temperature for 1 h (according to Mourad), and (2) immediate resuspension of the PC after the centrifugation of a platelet-rich plasma which has been acidified beforehand by the addition of ACD. In vitro platelet yield in acidified (CPD/ACD-)PC was at least equal to and, in cases with a particularly strong postcentrifugal tendency for clumping of platelets, clearly better (p less than 0.05) than in the 'Mourad platelets'. The results show that it is possible to produce PC from fresh CPD whole blood without delay. This may be helpful in clinical situations where freshly prepared PC should be available immediately. A special double bag (Fenwal DFX 733) containing CPD-A in the primary bag and 10 ml of ACD in the satellite bag, allows preparation of PC under these conditions in a closed system.