Effect of filtration, storage and platelet suspension media on platelet indices.

We describe a new approach for assessing filtration-induced changes in cellular indices of platelet concentrates at the beginning and the end of storage, using pairs of identical packs. The results revealed that post-filtered products did not store as well as their counterparts. Filtration did not induce any significant changes on aggregation as determined by spontaneous aggregation nor was there a disparity between leucocyte peroxidase/basophil count. We recommend filtration on day 2 which causes minimal loss of platelets and less change in the mean platelet volume.