Evaluation of in vitro storage properties of apheresis platelets suspended in a bicarbonate-containing additive solution with low levels of plasma and stored with a 24-hour interruption of agitation

Influence of apheresis collection device and container on the storage properties of platelets in 90% PAS-5/10% plasma

BACKGROUND

The storage properties of apheresis platelets suspended in the experimental additive solution PAS-5 and 10% plasma may be affected by the collection instrument or storage container.

METHODS AND EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The same consenting 12 donors provided A or T platelets with concurrent plasma on four occasions in 100% plasma. Following collection and resting, the platelets were centrifuged, and plasma was expressed and resuspended in PAS-5 to yield units with 10% plasma. Platelets were either maintained in the original storage container or transferred to another of the manufacturer's storage containers. On days 1, 5 and 7, units were assayed for an array of in vitro tests.

RESULTS

Average unit volume, yield and percent plasma was 291±11 mL, 3.7±0.4×10¹¹, and 10.3±0.7%, respectively, and were comparable between collections with either of the apheresis instruments and stored with either of the manufacturer's containers. Day 1 platelet activation (CD62P+) was 40±22% and was similar in either of the collection instruments or containers. Except for pH (days 1, 5), CO₂ (days 1, 5, 7), and extent of shape change (day 5), every other in vitro parameter was similar between apheresis platforms or the manufacturer's container. pH values of all units on all days of storage were ≥6.8, except one unit that was collected on T and stored in an A container, which had pH values of 6.8 and 5.7 on days 5 and 7, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Storage of platelets suspended in PAS-5 with 10% plasma is feasible in the original manufacturer's container for seven days. Based on CO₂ levels, T containers have greater gas exchange than A containers.

Novel platelet storage conditions: additive solutions, gas, and cold

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Platelets are a frequently requested blood product today and are often in limited supply because of a shelf life of 5-7 days, depending on the country. Room temperature storage is associated with an increased risk of transfusion-transmitted infection. Plasma used for platelet storage is unavailable for other uses, and allogeneic plasma carries with it risks for adverse transfusion reactions. This review looks at recent activities evaluating alternative conditions for the storage of platelets.

RECENT FINDINGS

New-generation platelet additive solutions are being evaluated and applied as a strategy to reduce the volume of allogeneic plasma transfused and to support storage following pathogen reduction treatments. There is a renewed interest in refrigerator temperature and frozen storage of platelets to improve availability, to reduce septic transfusion risk, and to enhance hemostatic efficacy in the bleeding patient.

SUMMARY

Use of platelet additive solutions has been shown to reduce the incidence of allergic and nonhemolytic febrile transfusion reactions in two large studies. Results of ongoing research and new clinical trials in cold storage methods will be forthcoming and may present solutions for platelet availability problems and new choices for therapeutic transfusion of the bleeding patient.

Storage and handling of blood components – perspectives

The storage and handling conditions of cellular blood components and plasma are often rigorous, which is causing extensive discard of components that may be of acceptable quality as the rules for “out of optimal storage conditions” seem to be based more on tradition than scientific investigations. This short review summarizes some of the key papers indicating that it should be time for reconsideration of these rules, and some new suggestions are carefully indicated. Red cell concentrates, platelet concentrates and FFP are considered;lyophilized plasma and never-frozen liquid plasma are not included in this paper.