Platelet storage and functional integrity

Abstract

Platelet transfusion is a topic of common interest for many specialists involved in patient care, from laboratory staff to clinical physicians. Various aspects make this type of transfusion different from those of other blood components. In this review, the challenges in platelet transfusion practice that are relevant for laboratory colleagues will be discussed, highlighting how the biochemical and structural characteristics of these blood elements directly affect their function and consequently the clinical outcome. More than 1,300 platelet concentrates are transfused in Germany every day, and several types are offered by their respective manufacturers. We describe the technological advances in platelet concentrate production, with a focus on how the storage conditions of platelets can be improved. Laboratory quality assessment procedures for a safe transfusion are discussed in detail. For this purpose, we will refer to the Hemotherapy Directives (Richtlinie Hämotherapie) of the German Medical Association.

Cost Analysis of Platelet Transfusion in Italy for Patients with Chronic Liver Disease and Associated Thrombocytopenia Undergoing Elective Procedures

“…In case of apheresis, platelets are collected through a system that is able to reduce the content of leukocytes and therefore this PC is already leukodepleted. 36 …”

Rapid test for platelet viability relying on a quartz crystal microbalance assay

“…Thus, the only quality assessment directly before administration of a platelet concentrate to a patient takes place visually by approving the presence of swirling. 38 Herein, we suggest a non-biased, rapid, and facile testing system to replace that rather inexact approach.…”

FluidFM-Based Fabrication of Nanopatterns: Promising Surfaces for Platelet Storage Application

“…9 Platelet concentrates are in high demand as every day around 1300 L of platelet concentrates are transfused in Germany alone. 10 Undesirable factors such as bacterial or viral contamination 11 and possible health hazards due to the toxic plasticizers pose an additional challenge for a successful transfusion as these factors can induce platelet activation and therefore reduce the lifetime of platelets. 12 Although significant research is carried out to minimize current limitations, surface-induced platelet activation remains a rather unaddressed issue.…”

“…Venous catheters, vascular grafts, stents, and heart valves have previously been associated with thrombotic complications resulting in their failure . Platelet concentrates are in high demand as every day around 1300 L of platelet concentrates are transfused in Germany alone . Undesirable factors such as bacterial or viral contamination and possible health hazards due to the toxic plasticizers pose an additional challenge for a successful transfusion as these factors can induce platelet activation and therefore reduce the lifetime of platelets .…”