Comparative in vitro evaluation of apheresis platelets stored with 100% plasma or 65% platelet additive solution III/35% plasma and including periods without agitation under simulated shipping conditions.

BACKGROUND

A comparative study evaluated the retention of apheresis platelet (A-PLT) in vitro properties prepared with PLT additive solution (PAS)-III or 100% plasma and stored with continuous agitation (CA) and without continuous agitation (WCA).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

PLTs collected with the Amicus cell separator (Fenwal, Inc.) were utilized to prepare two matched components, each with approximately 4 × 10(11) PLTs. In the primary study, one component contained 65% PAS-III/35% plasma and the other 100% plasma. Four storage scenarios were used, one with CA and three with periods without agitation under simulated shipping conditions. In vitro assays were used early and after 5 days of storage.

RESULTS

pH levels after 5 days with CA were less with PAS-III components than 100% plasma components, with levels always above 6.6 in any component. With CA, a number of other variables were reduced even early during storage with PAS-III including morphology, extent of shape change, hypotonic stress response, adhesion, and aggregation. Storage WCA resulted in only a limited increase in the magnitude of the assay differences between PAS-III and 100% plasma components. Periods WCA did not reduce the pH below 6.6. The thromboelastograph variable associated with the strengthening of clots by PLTs was essentially comparable with PAS-III and plasma components throughout storage with CA or WCA.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate that a 100% plasma medium provides for better retention of specific in vitro PLT properties, with CA and WCA, although the clinical significance of these in vitro decrements due to PAS-III is unknown.