Abstract
Platelet concentrates are universally prepared with a standard method and stored for 5 days at room temperature (20–24°C) in gentle agitation. Currently, there is a renewed interest in the possibility of storing platelet concentrates below the standard temperatures. In fact, cold platelets might be more effective in bleeding patients and have a lower risk of bacterial transmission. Inventories including platelets at different temperatures may favour patient-centred strategies for prophylactic or therapeutic transfusions.
Highlights
Platelet concentrates are universally prepared with a standard method and stored for 5 days at room temperature (20–24°C) in gentle agitation
Time storage is limited to 5 days in order to reduce metabolic decline and to lower the risk of bacterial contamination, which is reported around 1:1,500 platelet concentrate (PC) and is probably an underestimation
A great deal of evidence suggests that, besides having a shorter circulation time, PCs stored at 4°C might have better haemostatic competence and a better safety profile in terms of infectious risks
Summary
A great deal of evidence suggests that, besides having a shorter circulation time, PCs stored at 4°C might have better haemostatic competence and a better safety profile in terms of infectious risks. Refrigerated PCs have organisational advantages, as cold storage overcomes the need for constant agitation and reduces storage space and number and the need for BQCs, improving cost profile. Cold PLTs may be integrated in the blood bank organisation as a manageable product suitable to provide timely availability in rural settings, mountainous territories, islands, and battlefields; to support difficult rescue operations; and to provide valid support to trauma centres. The availability of cold PCs, in addition to those maintained at RT, may limit the precautionary overproduction of blood components, reducing wastage. Abbreviations BQC, bacterial quality controls; PAS, platelet additives solution; PC, platelet concentrate; PLT, platelet; RT, room temperature; TRAP, thrombin receptor-activating peptide. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Grant information The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work
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