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Storage and quality assessment of platelets
1Department of Research and Development, Arizona Blood Institute, Tucson 85711, USA. Holme@Haemonetics.com
Vox Sanguinis
|August 15, 1998
Summary
Stored platelets lose viability but regain function after infusion, making them suitable for prophylactic use. However, their adequacy for urgent bleeding control remains uncertain due to a lack of proper testing methods.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
- Platelet Biology
Background:
- Platelet concentrates are stored under optimal conditions (22°C for 5 days).
- Storage leads to a significant loss of platelet viability and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the viability and function of stored platelets.
- To determine the suitability of stored platelets for different clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Assessing platelet viability using thecorrected count increment (CCI) in thrombocytopenic patients.
- Utilizing radiolabeling studies in healthy volunteers to evaluate platelet function.
Main Results:
- Stored platelets exhibit a 20-30% loss in viability.
- Much of the lost platelet functionality appears to be reversible upon infusion.
- Stored platelets may be acceptable for prophylactic treatment in non-critical bleeding scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Stored platelets are likely adequate for prophylactic use in thrombocytopenic patients where immediate hemostasis is not critical.
- The functional adequacy of stored platelets for arresting perioperative bleeding remains uncertain.
- A validated test to assess the hemostatic function of stored platelets is currently unavailable, highlighting a need for further research and development.