Background: Platelet concentrates (PCs) are usually stored at room temperature under constant gentle agitation. Risk of bacterial contamination limits maximum storage time to 5 days. The objective of the study was to investigate platelet function with regard to storage time in different reconstituted whole blood (RWB) variants.
Methods: Donated apheresis PCs were stored at 22°C over 5 days. To obtain RWB, apheresis PCs were mixed with plasma-free packed red blood cells (RBCs) and either prethawed fresh frozen plasma (PT) or solvent-detergent plasma (SD) [1:1:1 ratio], or with leukocyte- and platelet-depleted whole blood (LD-WB) as control. Platelet function in RWB variants was assessed by impedance aggregometry (Multiplate) on Days 0, 1, 3, and 5 following platelet donation.
Results: Platelet aggregometry did not reach the lower limits determined from healthy volunteers in any of the RWB variants. Platelet aggregability measured by ASPI test, ADP test, and COL test declined over storage time in all RWB variants. No differences were observed in the TRAP test. At most measurement time points, LD-RWB provided significantly higher platelet aggregability compared with SD-RWB and PT-RWB (p < 0.01). SD-RWB demonstrated higher platelet aggregability on Day 0 in the ASPI test, ADP test, and TRAP test compared with PT-RWB.
Conclusion: Apheresis PCs stored for 5 days at 22°C demonstrated reduced platelet aggregability, as measured by multiple electrode aggregometry when mixed with RBCs and plasma. As platelet aggregation in LD-RWB was superior compared with SD-RWB and PT-RWB variants, it might be possible that additives in RBCs or plasma are responsible for the observed depressed platelet function. Critical evaluation of current massive transfusion recommendations proposing early platelet transfusion is indicated.