Influence of Pall Pl-50 platelet filters on lactate dehydrogenase, platelet factor 4, and complement factor 3 in stored platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND

The study examines Pall Pl-50 platelet filters with respect to their influence on some biochemical properties of platelet concentrates.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ten pairs of pooled platelet preparations, each consisting of 3 platelet concentrates, were studied. On day 1, one of the preparations was filtered and the other served as an identical non-filtered control. Immediately after filtration platelet counts, the levels of desarginated activated complement factor 3 (C3a), extracellular levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and extracellular and total concentrations of platelet factor 4 (PF4) were determined in both concentrates. After 5 days sterility testing and determination of extracellular levels of PF4 and LDH were performed.

RESULTS

Extracellular concentrations of PF4 and C3a decreased immediately after filtration (p < 0.01). Furthermore, Pall Pl-50 filters caused cellular instability reflected by an increased release of PF4 (p < 0.01) during subsequent storage.

CONCLUSION

Platelet concentrates filtered with Pall Pl-50 would not appear suitable for storage.