Novel system for storage of buffy-coat-derived platelet concentrates in a glucose-based platelet additive solution: parameters and metabolism during storage and comparison to plasma.

BACKGROUND: In Europe, buffy-coat processing allows for the use of platelet additive solutions (PAS). These solutions, however, have long been questioned for their lack of glucose, a potentially essential nutrient for platelet storage. Using a novel, practical, two-part system for incorporation of glucose into an additive solution (PAS-G), this study compares platelet storage in plasma to storage in PAS-G. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A paired study design of platelet concentrates (PC) were prepared from leucoreduced pools of eight buffy coats (BCP) split into two equal pools, with suspension in autologous plasma, or PAS-G. On days 2, 5, 7 and 9 of storage, samples were tested using standard in vitro platelet parameters. Data were analysed by paired Student's t-tests. RESULTS: During storage, PCs in PAS-G maintain a quality profile that is strikingly similar to PCs stored in plasma in terms of platelet activation (CD62) morphology score, swirl, glucose metabolism and pH. However, PCs in PAS-G perform lower (P < 0.05) in the %ESC and %HSR assays. CONCLUSION: PAS-G's novel presentation allows incorporation of glucose into the additive solution so that it is roughly equivalent to plasma for the maintenance of buffy-coat PCs.

Comparison of a novel viscous platelet additive solution and plasma: preparation and in vitro storage parameters of buffy-coat-derived platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We developed a viscous platelet additive solution (PAS) based on MacoPharma's SSP+ but containing hydroxyethyl starch to address the poor osmotic balance and low yield associated with conventional PAS for the storage of buffy-coat platelet concentrates (PC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pools of four buffy-coats were made into leucoreduced PCs (n = 5) suspended either in plasma or viscous PAS. After determination of platelet recoveries, the PCs were stored under standard conditions. On days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9, PCs were tested for mean platelet volume, platelet concentration, soluble protein concentration, CD62 expression, platelet morphology, partial pressure of oxygen and partial pressure of carbon dioxide, glucose and lactate concentration, pH, extent of shape change, and hypotonic shock response (HSR). RESULTS: Platelets were prepared with greater ease using the viscous PAS and had improved platelet yield. PCs stored in either plasma or viscous PAS displayed similar storage characteristics to day 9. On days 7 and 9 of storage, platelets stored in viscous PAS displayed significantly lower (P < 0.05) CD62 expression and higher HSR scores than those stored in plasma. CONCLUSION: Alteration of the viscosity of PAS improves platelet recovery during processing and may prolong platelet quality at the later stages of storage.