Background: Platelet (PLT) storage lesions might depend on the total PLT count in the storage container and also on the PLT pooling system, especially the storage container, that is used for preparation of PLT concentrates (PCs). In this study, the PLT capacity of four commercially available PLT pooling systems was studied.
Materials and methods: Four PCs were prepared in pooling systems of Baxter, Fresenius, Terumo, or Pall. The PCs were pooled and divided with various total PLT counts over the four storage containers (<225 x 10(9), 225 x 10(9)-324 x 10(9), 325 x 10(9)-424 x 10(9), and >424 x 10(9) PLTs). Volumes were kept equal by adding plasma to PCs with less than 425 x 10(9) PLTs until a same volume as for PCs with more than 424 x 10(9) PLTs was reached. PCs were stored at room temperature and tested for various in vitro variables on Days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Paired experiments were repeated for each system five times.
Results: In vitro variables remained good for 9 days, that is, swirling score of 2 or more, pH value of 6.8 or more, glucose level of 10 mmol per L or more, lactate level of less than 25 mmol per L, and CD62p expression of less than 50 percent, for PCs in Baxter systems with more than 225 x 10(9) PLTs, for PCs in Fresenius and Terumo systems with 225 x 10(9) to 424 x 10(9) PLTs, and for PCs in Pall systems with fewer than 425 x 10(9) PLTs.
Conclusion: PLT capacity depended on the PLT pooling systems used. All systems provide acceptable storage conditions. The Baxter system was the only system with capacity for more than 424 x 10(9) PLTs per PC.