Effects of temperature on granulocyte preservation

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Granulocyte transfusions are increasingly used in clinical settings.
• The ability to preserve granulocytes for transfusion is crucial for optimizing their availability and efficacy.
• Identifying optimal storage conditions is essential for maintaining granulocyte function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro function of granulocytes after storage under various conditions.
• To compare the storage potential of granulocytes collected by continuous-flow centrifuge leukapheresis (CFCL) and filtration leukapheresis (FL).
• To determine the optimal temperature and conditions for granulocyte preservation.

Main Methods:

• Granulocytes were collected using CFCL and FL methods.
• Collected granulocytes were stored at different temperatures (4°C, 20°C–24°C, 37°C) for up to 48 hours.
• Granulocyte function was assessed by measuring phagocytosis, bacterial killing, and chemotaxis.
• The effect of agitation during storage was also evaluated.

Main Results:

• CFCL granulocytes maintained normal phagocytosis and bacterial killing after 48 hours of storage at 20°C–24°C.
• CFCL granulocytes showed normal chemotaxis after 24 hours of storage at 20°C–24°C.
• Storage at 1°C–6°C or 37°C was less effective in preserving chemotactic response.
• Agitation during storage negatively impacted bacterial killing and chemotaxis.
• FL granulocytes exhibited poor function after 24 hours of storage at all tested temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Granulocytes collected by CFCL can be stored at 20°C–24°C for up to 24 hours, maintaining critical functions.
• Storage at lower or higher temperatures compromises granulocyte function.
• Agitation should be avoided during granulocyte storage.
• Granulocytes collected by FL are not suitable for storage and should be used immediately.