Improved storage of platelets for transfusion in a new container.

The storage of platelet concentrates (PC) at 22#{176}Cin polyvinylchloride containers has been limited to 3 days. Even within this time interval, fall in pH to 6.0 or less with associated loss of viability occurs in a substantial number of PC. Previous work demonstrated that the fall in pH resulted from increased production of lactic acid due to hypoxic conditions within the container and could be prevented by storage in a container constructed from material that was more permeable to oxygen than conventional polyvinylchloride plastic. P1-146. We have now studied PC storage in a new polyolefin plastic. P1-732. This material has increased permeability to oxygen. and pH fall to less than 6.0 does not occur during 5 days of storage. In autologous studies using chromium-51 labeling. mean in vivo recovery and survival T112 were 51 % and 3.1 days.