Storage of platelet concentrates - looking beyond standard parameters for prolonged storage

Abstract

The recommended quality guidelines for storing Platelet Concentrates (PCs) is for up to 5 days at a temperature of 22°C ± 2°C, with constant agitation. This short storage life is problematic since the demand for therapeutic use of PCs has increase and blood establishments may occasionally struggle to meet such demands. This storage life is owed to increased susceptibility to bacterial contamination, as bacteria thrive in these conditions, and due to platelet storage lesions, as platelets and white blood cells remain metabolically active. Guidelines recommend that increasing PC storage should only be feasible if bacterial screening is performed prior release of such units. Such guidelines do not however take into consideration other factors such as cytokines. Cytokines cause transfusion related reactions and concentrations may change over the storage life due to metabolically active cells. This review aims to provide insight on additional quality parameters one might consider when prolonging platelet shelf life.