Extended storage of platelets in a new plastic container

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Abstract
A new polyvinyl chloride container plasticized with tri(2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (PL 1240 plastic) was evaluated for use in extended platelet storage. Six leukocyte-rich platelet concentrates [from humans] (mean, 0.6 .times. 109 white cells/bag; range, 0.3 to 1.0 .times. 109 per container) were prepared by removing as much of the platelet-rich plasma from blood as possible. The cells were stored at 22.degree. C on an end-over-end agitator. An average of 1.04 .+-. 0.19 .times. 1011 platelets was recovered and the mean pH dropped from 7.23 on day 0 to 6.68 by day 5. At the completion of the storage period, PO2 averaged 80 torr, PCO2 was 35 torr, bicarbonate concentration was 0.5 mM and lactate concentration 29.5 mM. Thirty-one additional units of platelet concentrates, not deliberately prepared to be leukocyte-rich, on day 5 had a pH of 6.75 .+-. 0.39 (mean platelet yield, 0.97 .+-. 0.21 .times. 1011; PO2 and PCO2 averaged 50 and 48 torr, respectively). Following storage, the cells had an average phase microscopic morphology score of 244 (n = 17). Platelets appeared to be preserved well throughout storage when assessed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Thus, platelets can be stored for 5 days in PL 1240 plastic containers with good preservation of pH and cell ultrastructure.