In vitro assessment of platelet lesions during 5-day storage in Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) centers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Platelet concentrates (PC) are used in thrombocytopenia and inherited or acquired platelet dysfunction disorders. Thus, retaining the platelets quality and function during storage will lead to desirable outcomes in treatment of such patients.  METHODS  In this study, we evaluated 40 PC bags, prepared by PRP method in IBTO centers. We applied an array of assays, on first, third and fifth days of storage for PC quality control, including swirling, cell counting, bacterial contamination, measurement of CD62P, pH, and platelet aggregation test, to evaluate platelet lesion during storage.  RESULTS  All units were negative for bacterial contamination. Swirling was positive for all units on various days; platelet count was in the acceptable range. Measurement of CD62P on fifth day was not significantly higher than third or first day (P > 0.15) (P > 0.05). pH on fifth day was significantly lower than first day (P < 0.01) (P < 0.05). Platelet aggregation with arachidonic acid and ristocetin showed significant decrease on fifth day compared to third day (P < 0.01) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CD62P associated with other platelet function tests can be used as an activation marker in evaluation of PC functions during storage.