Frozen platelets.

The technical limitations on platelet shelf life and storage have driven research for alternatives, including cryopreservation of platelets. Over the past 60 years, product development has adopted freezing platelets in 6% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and storage in mechanical freezers at -80 °C for up to 2 years. Frozen platelets show a primed, hypercoagulable in vitro phenotype post-thaw when assayed using morphology, flow cytometry for marker expression, and thrombin capacity. In vivo studies show a role for frozen platelets in the maintenance of hemostasis and data from limited clinical trials show frozen platelets are safe and appear beneficial. As research continues to address the functional role of in vitro assays for clinical outcomes, frozen platelet product development represents a good alternative to room temperature platelets for many applications.