Maintenance of in vitro properties of leukoreduced whole blood–derived pooled platelets after a 24‐hour interruption of agitation

Abstract

Continuous agitation during platelet concentrate (PC) storage is frequently interrupted during shipping. Studies have evaluated the effects of interrupted agitation in apheresis and single whole blood-derived PCs, but not PC pools. This study evaluated in vitro properties of pooled whole blood-derived platelets (PLTs) after a 24-hour interruption of agitation. Eleven ABO-identical leukoreduced whole blood-derived PCs (Leukotrap RC-PL, Pall), pooled in a transfer container, were equally divided into each of two CLX-HP containers (Acrodose PL, Pall). One pool (test) was held in a shipping container unagitated for 24 hours between Day 2 and Day 3, while the other (control) was continuously agitated. Ten pairs underwent in vitro assays after 5 and 7 days' storage. Pools contained a mean (+/-SD) of 5.0 x 10(11) +/- 0.4 x 10(11) PLTs. Interrupting agitation for 24 hours reduced test pool pH versus control after 5 days' storage (6.77 +/- 0.15 vs. 6.98 +/- 0.06, p = 0.0005). Test and control pH differences were greater after 7 days' storage (6.17 +/- 0.29 vs. 6.65 +/- 0.14, p < 0.0001); 5 of 10 test pool pHs were less than 6.2 (vs. 0 of 10 controls). Other test pool key in vitro variables were reduced compared with controls after 5 days' storage, with greater differences after 7 days. After 5 days' storage, pooled leukoreduced whole blood-derived-PCs in CLX-HP containers adequately maintained pH and other key in vitro variables after a 24-hour interruption of agitation. After 7 days' storage, 5 of 10 pools did not maintain a pH value of 6.2 or greater while matched continuously agitated units did.