Extension of platelet concentrate storage

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Hematology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Current platelet concentrate storage methods face limitations in extending shelf life.
• Maintaining optimal pH and gas permeability is crucial for platelet viability during storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a new blood bag system with a novel plasticizer for extending platelet concentrate storage time.
• To assess the impact of extended storage on platelet recovery, half-life, and clinical transfusion outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Autologous 51Cr-labeled platelets were reinfused into volunteers to measure in vivo recovery and half-life.
• Platelet counts and bleeding times were monitored in patients receiving transfusions.
• Platelet concentrates were stored in new polyvinylchloride bags and compared to conventional bags.

Main Results:

• The new plastic bag protected platelet concentrates from pH fall due to enhanced gas permeability.
• Satisfactory in vivo recovery (>31%) and half-life (>3.3 days) were observed after 5 days of storage.
• Platelet concentrates stored for up to 7 days showed comparable post-transfusion increments and improved bleeding times in patients.

Conclusions:

• The new blood bag system demonstrates significant promise for extending platelet concentrate storage to 7 days.
• The enhanced pH stability and gas permeability of the new plastic contribute to superior platelet preservation.
• Extended storage up to 7 days in the new bags yields acceptable clinical results and improved transfusion efficacy.