Evaluation of the in vitro Function of Platelet Concentrates from Pooled Buffy Coats or Apheresis

Abstract

Background: Platelet concentrates play an important role in transfusion medicine. Their short lifespan and lack of robustness require efforts to ensure adequate product quality. In this study, we compared the in vitro quality of the main concentrate types, pooled platelet concentrate (PPC) from whole blood donations, and platelet concentrate from single-donor apheresis (APC). Methods: Twenty PPCs and 20 APCs prepared in plasma were analyzed on days 2, 4, and 7 of storage. Variables related to metabolism, degranulation, platelet aggregation, P-selectin expression, and annexin V binding were analyzed. Morphology was assessed by transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections. A microfluidic device was applied to test the effects of shear stress on platelet function. Results: The metabolic parameters indicated stable storage conditions throughout the 7-day period. The resting discoid form was the prevailing morphology on days 2 and 4 in the PPCs and APCs. Chemokine release and receptor shedding of soluble P-selectin and soluble CD40L equally increased in PPCs and APCs. Aggregation responses to ADP and collagen were heterogeneous, with marked losses in collagen responsiveness on day 4 in individual concentrates. Baseline expression of P-selectin in PPCs and APCs was low, and inducibility of P-selectin was well preserved until day 4. Under shear stress, equal adhesiveness and stability were found with platelets from PPCs and APCs. Conclusions: Platelets from PPCs and APCs showed similar in vitro function and stability parameters. However, platelet concentrates presented a high variability and individual concentrates an impaired functional capability. Identifying the factors contributing to this would help increase product reliability.

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

“…The comparability of pooled and apheresis platelet concentrates is a much‐debated topic. 6 To avoid an influence of donor variability as well as of storage, 11 we used apheresis platelet concentrates on the day of donation. The strength of this study was that each concentrate presented its own control as each of it was split into three equal parts.…”

“…Therefore, we examined the impact of PTS, conveyor, and manual transport on platelets. The comparability of pooled and apheresis platelet concentrates is a much‐debated topic 6 . To avoid an influence of donor variability as well as of storage, 11 we used apheresis platelet concentrates on the day of donation.…”

“…Due to their fragile nature, platelets are stored in blood donation bags after collection under gentle agitation to prevent sedimentation and activation. 5 , 6 Taking careful handling into account, platelet concentrates are usually transported to the patient by courier or conveyor systems. Although several studies indicate that pneumatic tube system (PTS) transport does not result in a loss of platelet quality, most of them were carried out with whole blood and buffy coat‐derived concentrates instead of apheresis platelet concentrates.…”

“…Platelet concentrates are important therapeutics in transfusion medicine to prevent or treat bleeding in patients with low platelet count or poor platelet function. Due to their fragile nature, platelets are stored in blood donation bags after collection under gentle agitation to prevent sedimentation and activation 5,6 . Taking careful handling into account, platelet concentrates are usually transported to the patient by courier or conveyor systems.…”

Plasma-Based Bioinks for Extrusion Bioprinting of Advanced Dressings

“…These dressings should release healing molecules (modulators of angiogenic and immune responses) to the ulcer bed and be nonadhesive and easy to eliminate once they have fulfilled their function [32]. The plasma formulations that we selected to create our dressings (i.e., PPP and PRP) are prepared by apheresis in blood banks and have been used in transfusion medicine to treat coagulation factor deficiencies [33] or poor platelet function [34] respectively.…”