Five‐day storage of platelet concentrates

Abstract

The short 72-h shelf-life of [human] platelet concentrates stored in standard PL146 (Fenwal) plastic bags often results in shortages of platelets. This 3-day limitation is based on the biochemical and physiological changes that occur during storage and that result in decreased viability and survival after transfusion. Both in vitro and in vivo function of platelet concentrates stored for 3 and 5 days in two new plastic packs:PL732 (Fenwal) and CLX (Cutter) [CO2 tension]. The concentrate pH was maintained above 7.0 in both bags and there was little change in platelet count or size following 5 days of storage. Aggregation response to ATP, epinephrine and collagen was maintained well. The PCO2 [CO2 tension] values indicated good gas escape with lower values after 5 days of storage than at 0 time. Lactate accumulation and glucose utilization were also lower in these new bags. Autlogous survivals of Cr-labeled platelets stored for 5 days were 6.0 days (PL732) and 5.1 days (CLX), which are equal to or better than those found for platelets stored for 3 days in PL146. Posttransfusion increments in thrombocytopenic patients were acceptable; 49% after 1 h and 31% after 24 h for concentrates stored in CLX and 44 percent after 1 h and 28% after 24 h for concentrates stored in PL732. Both of these new bags, which contain different types of plasticizers, provide an environment that results in an improved product and will permit 5-day storage of platelet concentrates; these 2 benefits will help to alleviate the difficulties in supply of platelet concentrates.