Evaluation of storage conditions of platelet concentrates prepared from pooled buffy coats

Five days storage of pooled platelet concentrates (PCs) with high yields often results in a pH fall and poor platelet morphology despite the use of specific containers. In this study we evaluated two techniques for prolonged storage of PCs with high platelet counts, by measuring pH and platelet swirl. In routine procedures, 90 PCs, prepared from five buffy coats, were stored in a single 1-litre PL 732 container. After 5 days storage, 51 PCs with platelet counts below 3.1 x 10(11)/U showed a pH above 6.8 and optimal swirling scores. 29 of 39 PCs (74%) with yields above 3.1 x 10(11)/U showed pH values below 6.8 and poor swirling scores. These poor results can be prevented by shortening the duration of storage. PCs with high yields can be stored for 5 days either by dividing the concentrate into two containers or by adjusting the platelet count to 3.1 x 10(11)/U. In the latter procedure, we reduced the volume of the concentrate and found that of 102 PCs, only 9 showed poor values for pH and platelet swirl. The data clearly indicate the importance of measuring the prestorage platelet count to select the optimal procedure for concentrate storage.