The quality of platelet concentrates produced by COBE Spectra and Trima Accel during storage for 7 days as assessed by in vitro methods

BACKGROUND: The quality of PLT concentrates (PCs) can be evaluated using various in vitro methods. A new technique, free oscillation rheometry (FOR), can be used to monitor coagulation properties of PCs and gives information on clotting time and coagulum elasticity. This study compared the quality of apheresis PCs produced by COBE Spectra and Trima Accel during storage for 7 days using in vitro tests including FOR. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis PCs were collected with the COBE Spectra (n=10) and Trima Accel (n=10) cell separators. Swirling, blood gases and metabolic parameters were analyzed on day 0. Samples taken on day 1, 5 and 7 were also analyzed for hypotonic shock response (HSR), P-selectin and GPIb expression and evaluation of coagulation by FOR RESULTS: Swirling, HSR and percent GPIb expressing PLTs were well maintained for 7 days whereas glucose decreased and lactate increased significantly during storage for both Spectra and Trima PCs. Percent P-selectin expressing cells increased to the same extent in both types of PCs during storage. pH increased between day 0 and 1 but then decreased. The clotting time remained constant throughout the storage period whereas the development of elasticity was reduced on day 5 and 7 compared to day 1 (p<0.05) for both types of PCs. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the PLT quality after storage for 7 days is well preserved although activation of PLTs occurs during storage as assessed by in vitro tests. No difference in platelet quality was observed between Spectra and Trima produced PCs.