Impact of tobacco smoking on platelet function in apheresis products in vitro.

Background And Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the platelet function, over a 5-day time-period, of apheresis-derived platelet concentrates obtained from smokers and non-smokers.

Materials And Methods: Smoker and non-smoker plateletpheresis products were investigated on days 1, 3 and 5 of storage. Receptor expression (as evaluated by flow cytometry) and the platelet aggregation response were measured.

Results: There was only a slight loss of platelet function in apheresis products from smokers compared to non-smokers.

Conclusions: Smoking does not significantly change the quality of platelet preparations. The current practice, of not to exclude smokers from platelet donation, can be continued.