Evaluation of the automated collection and extended storage of apheresis platelets in additive solution.

Background: Collecting apheresis platelets (PLTs) into additive solution has many potential benefits. The new Trima software (Version 6.0, CaridianBCT) allows automated addition of PLT additive solution (PAS) after collection, compared to Trima Version 5.1, which only collects PLTs into plasma. The aim of this study was to compare PLT quality during extended storage, after collection with the different Trima systems.

Study Design And Methods: Apheresis PLTs were collected using both Trima Accel apheresis systems. The test PLT units (n = 12) were collected using the new Trima Version 6.0 into PLT AS (PAS-IIIM), while the control units (n = 8) were collected into autologous plasma using Trima Version 5.1. All units were stored for 9 days, and in vitro cell quality variables were evaluated during this time.

Results: PLTs collected in PAS-IIIM maintained a stable pH between 7.2 and 7.4, whereas plasma-stored apheresis units exhibited significantly increased acidity during storage, due to lactate accumulation and bicarbonate exhaustion. Plasma-stored PLTs also demonstrated a more rapid consumption of glucose. However, there was little difference in PLT activation or cytokine secretion between PAS-IIIM and control PLTs.

Conclusion: These data indicate that apheresis PLT concentrates collected in PAS-IIIM, using Trima Version 6.0 software, maintained acceptable PLT metabolic and cellular characteristics until Day 9 of storage.