Storage of platelets collected by apheresis

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Abstract
Increasingly, platelets obtained by apheresis must be shipped some distance prior to infusion. The effect of storage and the size of the storage container on in vitro platelet function over a 48 h period was studied. Five donors each donated twice at 2 wk intervals with 1 donation of 200 ml taken into a 300 ml bag and the other into a 2000 ml bag. The platelets collected into the 2000 ml bag maintained pH well over 48 h. The PO2 [O2 partial pressure] stayed at a high level, and the PCO2 [CO2 partial pressure] decreased by 48 h. The lactate accumulation was 38 mg/dl, and the aggregation and hypotonic shock response were maintained well. In comparison, platelets stored in the 300 ml bag had a rapid decrease in pH accompanied by a marked rise in PCO2. Lactate accumulation was also high at 124 mg/dl at 48 h. Aggregation, 14C-serotonin uptake, hypotonic shock response and platelet recovery were reduced. Exposure to a high concentration of the plasticizer, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, equivalent to that which occurs in the 2000 ml bag did not affect platelet function. Storage of the apheresis platelets in a double volume of plasma in the 2000 ml bag likewise had little effect. As measured by in vitro response, apheresis platelets can be maintained for up to 48 h if stored in a 2000 ml bag.