Publication:

Comparative evaluation of storage time on the quality of platelet concentrates prepared from buffy coat at ambient temperature

Background Buffy coat-platelets concentrates (BC-PC) are prepared within 6-8 hours of blood collection with 1-2 hours of hanging period which imposes time constraints and logistic problems when collecting blood from blood donation camps in wide geographic areas.

Methods In our prospective study of one year at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana we prepared 50 units of BC-PC after hanging BC for 2 hours and another 50 after storing BC O/N at ambient temperature. Platelet (plt) count, WBC contamination and other biochemical parameters in both groups of PC were analyzed on day 1 and day 5 of preparation.

Results The mean plt counts of O/N BC-PC on day 1 was 8.36±1.22 × 1010, significantly higher than that of F (fresh) BC-PC (7.44±0.81 × 1010). On day 5, F BC-PC showed 6.21±0.88 × 1010 count while it was 6.87±0.96 × 1010 in O/N BC-PC. WBC contamination was lower in O/N BC-PC. On day 1, in F BC-PC WBC contamination was observed as 4.44±2.02 × 107 while in O/N BC-PC it was 3.19±3.33 × 107. On day 5, in F BC-PC WBC contamination was observed as 3.77±0.66 × 107 while in O/N BC-PC it was 2.92±1.71 × 107. Results of biochemical parameters (pH, pO2, pCO2, glucose) were significantly higher and better in F BC-PC but both methods of preparation provided plts optimal survival conditions throughout storage period.

Conclusions O/N BC-PC provides a better-quality product while solving logistic problems.