Storage of platelets collected by apheresis

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Apheresis platelets require transport before transfusion, raising concerns about storage conditions.
• Platelet storage container size may impact post-collection quality and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of storage container size on in vitro platelet function over 48 hours.
• To determine optimal storage conditions for apheresis platelets during shipping.

Main Methods:

• Collected apheresis platelets from five donors into 300-ml and 2000-ml bags.
• Assessed in vitro platelet function, including pH, PO2, PCO2, lactate accumulation, aggregation, and hypotonic shock response over 48 hours.
• Investigated the impact of plasticizer exposure and increased plasma volume.

Main Results:

• Platelets in 2000-ml bags maintained optimal pH, PO2, and PCO2 levels with low lactate accumulation.
• Platelets stored in 300-ml bags showed decreased pH, increased PCO2, high lactate, and reduced function (aggregation, serotonin uptake, hypotonic shock response, recovery).
• Plasticizer exposure and increased plasma volume did not negatively affect platelet function in 2000-ml bags.

Conclusions:

• Storage in larger 2000-ml bags significantly preserves apheresis platelet function for up to 48 hours.
• Smaller storage containers compromise platelet quality, impacting their suitability for transfusion.