Lack of adverse effect of transportation on room temperature stored platelet concentrates

The ability of platelet concentrates stored at room temperature to withstand transportation after removal from the rotator and ideal temperature environment was studied by reinfusing autologous 51Cr-labeled platelets obtained from normal volunteers. Periods of up to 6 hours off the rotator and not under temperature control did not result in a significant change in platelet viability. Platelets transported up to 12 hours after 24 hours of storage and then placed on a rotator for the remainder of the 72-hour storage interval also showed expected recovery and survival. Thus, room temperature stored platelets may be used even when transportation for up to 6 hours is required before the concentrates are transfused.