Coagulation factor activity in platelet concentrates.

Coagulation factor activity in platelet concentrates stored under different condtions was investigated. At both 22 C and 4 C, coagulation factors, II, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII and fibrinogen were well maintained up to 72 hours. Factor V activity declined slightly in platelet concentrates stored at 4 C (to 78% at 72 hours), but fell to 47 per cent activity in platelets stored at 22 C. Factor VIII activity declined to approximately 68 per cent of normal activity by 72 hours at both 22 C and 4 C. Agitation did not make a difference in levels of coagulation factors. While the decline in Factor V was clearly more pronounced in platelet concentrates than in platelet-poor plasma from the same units, the decline in Factor VIII was decreased by the presence of platelets. Platelet concentrates are a source of coagulation factor activity which should be considered in a component program.