Plasma-depleted platelet concentrates prepared with a new washing solution

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Plasma protein removal from platelet concentrates (PCs) is clinically necessary in specific situations.
• Washing PCs removes plasma proteins, reducing transfusion risks.
• Existing methods require optimization for efficiency and platelet viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel electrolyte washing solution for complete plasma protein removal from platelet concentrates.
• To assess the efficacy of the washing process in terms of plasma removal and platelet recovery.
• To compare the post-wash quality and function of platelets with plasma-poor controls.

Main Methods:

• Platelet-rich plasma was collected and centrifuged to form platelet buttons.
• Platelet buttons were washed with a custom electrolyte solution (pH 6.5) containing specific salts, glucose, adenine, dextran, and maltose.
• Washed platelets were resuspended in Seto additive solution and stored at 22°C for 3 days.
• Procedures were performed within 3 hours using sterile docking devices.
• Washed PCs were compared to plasma-poor PCs for hypotonic shock response, aggregation, metabolism, and morphology.

Main Results:

• The washing solution removed 99.1% of plasma, with 96% platelet recovery.
• No significant differences were observed in platelet function (hypotonic shock response, aggregation, metabolism, morphology) between washed PCs and plasma-poor PCs over 3 days.
• A significant swelling of platelets in washed PCs was noted after 3 days of storage.

Conclusions:

• A simple electrolyte wash solution effectively removes plasma proteins from platelet concentrates.
• Washed PCs maintain good platelet quality and function for short-term storage.
• The developed washing method is efficient and suitable for clinical application, with minor swelling as a potential consideration.