Evaluation of the Lyophilized Platelets Function by Thromboelastography in an In Vitro Platelet Transfusion Model.

BACKGROUND

At present, liquid conserved platelets (PLTs) can only be stored at 22°C for up to 5 days. Waste of outdated PLTs and short supply of fresh PLTs were both seen in blood banks. Lyophilized PLTs were considered as one of the candidate replacements for liquid conserved PLTs. It is important to evaluate the function before it can be used in clinical trial.

METHODS

In this study, an in vitro platelet transfusion model was established to evaluate the function of rehydrated lyophilized platelets (RLPs) by thromboelastography (TEG). Blood samples from 11 patients were spiked with 3 preparations of specific donors' apheresis platelets (stored at room temperature, frozen, and lyophilized) to an increment equivalent to transfusion with 3x10^11 platelets. Whole blood TEG assay was performed and the maximum amplitude (MA) value was used to evaluate the function of "transfused" platelets.

RESULTS

The recovery of rehydrated lyophilized platelets (RLPs) in our study was 81.38% ± 2.38, and mean platelet volume (MPV) was 9.02 ± 0.54 fL. MA was significantly enhanced in the three different groups after the addition of PLTs when compared with the whole blood (WB) group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that RLPs are capable of enhancing the MA value as well as fresh and frozen PLTs in vitro. The clinical significance of this remains to be determined.