Ultrastructure of Human Platelets Processed for Transfusion Under Standard Blood Bank Conditions

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Abstract
Platelets processed for transfusion are routinely subjected to centrifugation, mechanical, agitation and storage at room temperature or 4.degree. C. To evaluate morphologic changes associated with standard blood bank conditions, platelet units were grouped into 4 categories: linear agitation at room temperature, agitation at a 90.degree. arc with a Hemolater at room temperature, agitation at a 360.degree. arc with a commercial platelet agitator and refrigeration at 4.degree. C without agitation. Cold (4.degree. C) preservation resulted in surprisingly good preservation of platelet ultrastructure, even at 72 h of storage. Harsh linear agitation at room temperature brought about marked alterations in platelet ultrastructure beginning at 24 h. The Hemolator agitator with 90.degree. arc was associated with good preservation of platelet organelles even at 72 h, whereas marked degenerative changes were observed at this time in platelets processed with a commercial agitator with a 360.degree. arc. Platelets stored at 4.degree. C or processed ar room temperature with an agitator with 90.degree. arc show the best preservation of ultrastructure.