The impact of donor biological variation on the quality and function of cold‐stored platelets

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesRoom temperature‐stored platelets (RTPs) maximize platelet viability but limit shelf life. The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of donor variability on cold‐stored platelets (CSPs) and RTP, to determine whether RTP quality markers are appropriate for CSP.Materials and MethodsDouble platelet donations (n = 10) were collected from consented regular male donors stored in 100% plasma. A full blood count, donor age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were collected at the time of donation. Platelet donations were split equally into two bags, and assigned to non‐agitated CSP or agitated RTP. The quality and function of platelets were assessed throughout the standard 7 days of storage and at expiry (day 8). Non‐parametric statistical analyses were used to analyse results given the small sample size.ResultsAs expected, there were significant differences between CSP and RTP throughout storage including a reduction in CSP concentration as well as a loss of swirling. Furthermore, a significant increase in CSP exhibiting activation and apoptotic markers was observed. Platelet concentrations were further impacted by donor BMI, and donors with the highest BMI (>29) had the lowest platelet concentration and activation response at the end of CSP storage.ConclusionPlatelet quality and functionality play a vital role in transfusion outcomes; however, blood components are inherently variable. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the specific impact of donor BMI on CSP quality and function and highlights the requirement for novel quality markers for assessing CSPs.

Bacterial Contamination of Platelet Products

“…Use of sodium citrate as a buffer in the platelet additive solution maintains the activity of cold stored platelet concentrates without sacrificing yield [ 74 ]. Perhaps the one variable to be considered in these platelet units is that body mass index (BMI) influences the degree of activation since donors with higher BMI had platelets with a lower activation capability and lower overall platelet numbers after cold storage and subsequent transfusion [ 75 ].…”

Changing Strategies for the Detection of Bacteria in Platelet Components in Ireland: From Primary and Secondary Culture (2010–2020) to Large Volume Delayed Sampling (2020–2023)

“…bacteria at 'room temperature' prior to issue [40]. A basic intervention such as a donor arm 'wash' before the disinfection procedure might offer a simple additional bioburden reduction.…”