The maintenance of platelet properties upon limited discontinuation of agitation during storage

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Platelet concentrates are routinely stored with continuous agitation but may need to be maintained without agitation for substantial time periods. Studies were conducted in vitro to assess the retention of platelet properties after the discontinuation of agitation. Platelets were maintained without agitation in an unsulated cardboard container. In one study, platelet concentrates were kept at 20 to 24.degree. C for the entire 24-hour period. In another study, they were kept at 37.degree. C for 6 hours with subsequent storage at ambient room temperature for the remainder of the 24-hour holding period. Under the simulated shipping conditions, discontinuation of agitation for 24 hours between Days 2 and 3 of a 7-day storage period minimally influenced the maintenance of a series of in vitro platelet properties. The maintenance of platelet concentrates at 20 and 24.degree. C, sitting undisturbed on a bench top for 9 hours, after storage for 6 days with continuous agitation, also had no damaging influence.