Storage of platelet concentrates from pooled buffy coats made of fresh and overnight-stored whole blood processed on the novel Atreus 2C+ system: in vitro study.

BACKGROUND The Atreus 2C+ system (Gambro BCT) automatically separates whole blood (WB) into buffy coat (BC), red blood cells (RBC), and plasma and transfers the components into separate containers. After processing with the Atreus, 4 to 6 BC units can be pooled and processed into leukoreduced platelets (PLTs) by use of the automated OrbiSac BC system (Gambro BCT). The aim of our in vitro study was to investigate the effects of holding either WB or BC overnight before preparation of PLTs by use of the Atreus 2C+ system for BC preparation. A standard routine procedure involving conventional blood containers for the preparation of BC combined with the OrbiSac process (top-and-top system; Terumo) was used as a reference. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS WB was either processed within 8 hours after collection ("fresh blood") or stored overnight before processing. WB units were separated into BC, RBC, and plasma units and transferred into individual containers. Either the BC or the WB units rested overnight at 22 +/- 2 degrees C. Six ABO-identical BCs, obtained from either fresh or overnight-stored WB, were pooled and processed with the OrbiSac BC system to obtain leukoreduced PLTs. In total, 20 Atreus and 10 reference (leukoreduced PLTs) samples were analyzed for various in vitro variables during the 7-day storage period. RESULTS No significant difference in glucose consumption, lactate production, mean PLT volume, LDH activity, bicarbonate, ATP, RANTES, and the expression of CD62p and CD42b between groups was detected. pH was maintained at greater than 7.0 (Day 7). Swirling remained at the highest levels (score, 2) for all units throughout storage. CONCLUSION PLTs derived from BCs, obtained from either fresh or overnight-stored WB processed on the novel automated Atreus 2C+ system, were equivalent to control PLTs with regard to PLT in vitro characteristics during 7 days of storage. Stable recovery of PLTs and satisfactory PLT content according to current standards were also found.