Extension of platelet concentrate storage

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Extension of the storage time of platelet concentrates in a satellite bag which is part of a new blood bag system was studied by reinfusing autologous 51Cr‐labeled platelets into normal volunteers, and measuring postinfusion platelet counts and bleeding times in patients requiring platelet transfusions. This satellite bag, made of polyvinylchloride plasticized with a new agent, was found to protect platelet concentrates against fall of pH better than other containers studied. This protection was felt to be due to the greater gas permeability of the new plastic. Mean in vivo recovery and half‐life (greater than 31% and 3.3 days, respectively) of autologous reinf used platelets were satisfactory following 5 days of storage. Following 7 days of storage, mean recovery was 41 percent and half‐life was 2.8 days. Peripheral platelet count increments in patients following platelet transfusions with concentrates stored 4 to 7 days in the new plastic were comparable to increments following transfusion of platelets stored 2 to 3 days in the other plastics studied. Bleeding times shortened in three of four patients receiving platelet concentrates stored from 4 to 6 days in the new plastic. Platelet concentrates stored in the new bag at 20 to 24 ° C with flat‐bed or elliptical agitation could be transfused for up to 5 days following phlebotomy with acceptable clinical results. The new plastic container is promising for storage of platelet concentrates for up to 7 days. Due to the higher pH of 50‐ml platelet concentrates stored in bags made with the new plastic, the concentrates were superior at any storage interval to those stored in bags made of the other plastics studied.