Extended storage of autologous apheresis platelets in plasma.

Background And Objectives: The purpose of our studies was to determine the effects of extended platelet storage on poststorage platelet viability.

Materials And Methods: Normal subjects were recruited to donate platelets using two different apheresis systems: either the COBE Spectra (n = 58) or the Haemonetics MCS+ (n = 84). Platelet recovery and survival data from the two systems were compared with each other and with in vitro measurements of the stored platelets.

Results: There were no significant differences in either platelet recoveries or survivals between the two machines between 1 and 8 days of storage. Combining the data from both machines, platelet recoveries decreased by 2.6% and survivals by 0.3 days/storage day. In vitro assays did not predict either platelet recoveries or survivals during storage for 5-8 days. After 9 days of storage, pHs were unacceptable (≤ 6.1), suggesting that 8 days will be the longest possible storage time.

Conclusions: These data suggest that, if stored platelet bacterial contamination issues are resolved, significant extension of platelet storage times is possible.