Effect of Pneumatic Tubing System Transport on Platelet Apheresis Units

Abstract

Platelet apheresis units are transfused into patients to mitigate or prevent bleeding. In a hospital, platelet apheresis units are transported from the transfusion service to the healthcare teams via two methods: a pneumatic tubing system (PTS) or ambulatory transport. Whether PTS transport affects the activity and utility of platelet apheresis units is unclear. We quantified the gravitational forces and transport time associated with PTS and ambulatory transport within our hospital. Washed platelets and supernatants were prepared from platelet apheresis units prior to transport as well as following ambulatory or PTS transport. For each group, we compared resting and agonist-induced platelet activity and platelet aggregate formation on collagen or von Willebrand factor (VWF) under shear, platelet VWF-receptor expression and VWF multimer levels. Subjection of platelet apheresis units to rapid acceleration/deceleration forces during PTS transport did not pre-activate platelets or their ability to activate in response to platelet agonists as compared to ambulatory transport. Platelets within platelet apheresis units transported via PTS retained their ability to adhere to surfaces of VWF and collagen under shear, although platelet aggregation on collagen and VWF was diminished as compared to ambulatory transport. VWF multimer levels and platelet GPIb receptor expression was unaffected by PTS transport as compared to ambulatory transport. Subjection of platelet apheresis units to PTS transport did not significantly affect the baseline or agonist-induced levels of platelet activation as compared to ambulatory transport. Our case study suggests that PTS transport may not significantly affect the hemostatic potential of platelets within platelet apheresis units.

Triple apheresis platelet concentrate quality after pneumatic tube system, conveyor box, and courier transport: An observational study

“…The values of some biomarkers differed significantly from the duration of platelet storage, as measurements were also performed after 3−4 days of storage. 23 Zilberman‐Rudenko et al 24 sent apheresis platelet concentrates from the blood bank to the intensive care unit within their hospital by PTS and ambulatory transport (courier) while measuring gravitational force and transit time. The transported concentrates were examined in the laboratory after centrifugation.…”

“…Sandgren et al 22 reported the effects of transport on the quality of buffy coat platelet concentrates and figured out that it had no observed. 24 The method of centrifuging samples after transport for pelleting is controversial and was questioned the same year by Odense University Hospital in Denmark. Centrifugation had a significant effect on the quality of the platelets, so that measurements after transport and centrifugation cannot provide meaningful values about the quality by transport of the concentrates.…”

“…The transported concentrates were examined in the laboratory after centrifugation. A selective loss of quality was observed 24 . The method of centrifuging samples after transport for pelleting is controversial and was questioned the same year by Odense University Hospital in Denmark.…”

Discussion on the recruitment strategy for apheresis platelet donors in Chongqing during a public health emergency*

“…With the advancing level of medical development in Chongqing and the implementation of universal health insurance policies, clinical component blood transfusions have become increasingly prevalent ( 1 , 2 ). The clinical demand for apheresis platelets has increased accordingly ( 3 , 4 ).…”