Leukocyte removal filtration of platelet concentrates. A study of platelet loss using 111In-labelled platelets and dynamic gamma camera scintigraphy.

111In labelled platelets and gamma camera scintigraphy were used for the study of the platelet loss during leukocyte removal filtration of stored platelets. Two different filters were examined, Imugard IG500 and Pall PL100, and platelet pools containing varying number of platelet concentrates were filtered. It was found that a sizeable amount of the platelets was trapped within the filter. Some of the trapped platelets could be recovered by rinsing the filters with normal saline. The most appropriate rinsing volume to recover lost platelets seemed to match with the "dead space" volume within the filter. It is concluded that radiolabelled platelets and gamma camera scintigraphy appears to be an excellent method to investigate the dynamic events of platelet loss during leukocyte removal filtration. This technique should be well applicable for the study of technological advances in filter construction.