BACKGROUND: The INTERCEPT Blood System (IBS)for platelets (PLTs) uses a combination of psoralen and ultraviolet-A light to inactivate pathogens that may contaminate PLT concentrates (PCs). However, no data are available on the quality of IBS-treated PLTs from different apheresis and buffy-coat PC preparation platforms using the new triple storage (TS) set. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:The objective of this study was to evaluate the TS set on three different preparation platforms compared with the large-volume (LV) set, as control. PLT in vitro metabolic and activation parameters were studied over 7 days.RESULTS: Several statistical differences are observed between the two sets, particularly for pH, oxygen pressure (pO 2 ), carbonic gaz pressure (pCO 2 ), and bicarbonate. The three different preparation techniques influence PLT parameters, and the difference is statistically significant for all the studied parameters, except for pCO 2 . The TS set has the advantage of shorter compound adsorption device time, higher PLT recoveries, and less PLT activation. ABBREVIATIONS: APC = apheresis platelet concentrate; ATP = adenosine triphosphate; BC = buffy-coat; BCPC = buffy-coat platelet concentrate; CAD = compound adsorption device; ELISA = enzymelinked immunosorbent assay; HCO 3 = bicarbonate; IBS = INTERCEPT Blood System; LDH = lactate dehydrogenase; LV = large volume; PAS = platelet additive solution; PC(s) = platelet concentrate(s); PI = pathogen inactivation; PLT = platelet; TACSI PL = Terumo automated centrifuge and separator integration platelet; TS = triple storage; UV = ultraviolet.From the

From these in vitro data, red blood cell concentrates produced using TACSI whole blood are suitable for clinical use with a quality at least equivalent to the control group.

Background and Objectives: DEHP, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, is the most common member of the class of ortho-phthalates, which are used as plasticizers. The Medical Device Regulation has restricted the use of phthalates in medical devices. Also DEHP has been added to the Annex XIV of REACH, "Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals" due to its endocrine disrupting properties to the environment. As such, the sunset date for commercialisation of DEHP-containing blood bags is May 27 th 2025. There are major concerns in meeting this deadline as these systems have not yet been fully validated and/or CE-marked. Also, since DEHP is known to affect red cell quality during storage, it is imperative to transit to non-DEHP without affecting blood product quality. Here, EBA members aim to establish common grounds on the evaluation and assessment of blood components collected, prepared and stored in non-DEHP devices.

Background and objectives The antioxidant power measurement can be useful to validate the execution of the pathogen inactivation treatment of platelet concentrates. The aim of this study is to evaluate the technology on different blood preparations including INTERCEPT and Mirasol treatments that are in routine use in Belgium and Luxemburg. Materials and methods The antioxidant power measurement was tested on 78 apheresis platelet concentrates and 54 pools of buffy‐coats‐derived platelet concentrates before and after INTERCEPT treatment. In addition, 100 Reveos platelet pools were tested before and after Mirasol treatment. The antioxidant power was quantified electrochemically using disposable devices and was expressed as equivalent ascorbic acid concentration. Results Mean results for apheresis platelet concentrates were of 90 ± 14 and 35 ± 10 µmol/l eq. ascorbic acid before and after INTERCEPT treatment, respectively. The mean results for pools of buffy‐coats‐derived platelet concentrates were of 81 ± 10 and 29 ± 4 eq. µmol/l ascorbic acid before and after INTERCEPT treatment, respectively. For buffy‐coats‐derived platelet concentrates treated by Mirasol technology, the mean results were of 98 ± 11 and 32 ± 10 µmol/l eq. ascorbic acid before and after illumination, respectively. Conclusion The antioxidant power significantly decreases with pathogen inactivation treatments for platelet concentrates treated by INTERCEPT or Mirasol technologies.

Background Early plasma transfusion for management of bleeding, particularly trauma, is associated with better outcomes. Improving the availability/safety of plasma transfusion for patients is essential for transfusion services. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hemostatic capacity of methylene‐blue (MB) liquid (not frozen) plasma over time. Materials and methods Twenty whole blood‐derived plasma units collected from male donors were separated and processed within 18 h of collection. Individual plasmas were treated with MB and stored in liquid status at 2–6°C for 14 days. A range of coagulation assays, including thrombin generation, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), and Thrombodynamics were tested at different time‐points, together with bacterial growth. Results Apart from Factor (F)XII, other coagulation factors (fibrinogen, FV, FVIII, FXI) reduced significantly after MB treatment, with levels remaining stable except for FVIII afterward. By day 14, most clotting factors were >0.7 IU/ml, apart from FVIII. There was a disproportionate decrease in Protein S (PS) activity compared to free PS antigen and by day 14 its value was ~50%. There was no significant difference in maximum clot formation (ROTEM) and clot‐density (Thrombodynamics) over time. Endogenous thrombin potential (Thrombin‐Generation), clot‐size, and velocity index (Thrombodynamics) decreased significantly over time consistent with clotting factor reduction. There was no bacterial growth. Conclusions MB‐treated liquid plasma stored at 2‐6°C can be used for up to 14 days: the long shelf‐life, the liquid status, and the MB treatment will improve its availability for management of bleeding as well as providing a safe component from pathogens.