As measured by stability of pH, aggregability, and structure, concentrated platelets are better preserved for 72 hours at 4 C than at 22 C. While survival in vfvo, as determined with SlCr, of platelets stored at room temperature is extremely variable, survival of platelets stored at 4 C is invariably shortened to two to three days. In the treatment

The effect of variables associated with the donor and with methods of collecting, processing, and storing platelets on the quality of platelets kept at ambient temperature was studied. Changes in structural integrity of platelets, decrease in pH, loss of aggregability, and kinetics in vivo of platelets tagged with 51Cr were used as indicators of the tolerance of platelets to storage. A platelet concentration of less than 2.5 x 10(6) per cu mm, a temperature of storage less than 24 C, and continuous, gentle, agitation were found to be essential for satisfactory preservation of platelet integrity, function, and post-transfusion survival. Platelets from female donors tolerated storage less well than did platelets from male donors, possibly because the lower hematocrit of blood collection from females resulted in greater initial acidity of the concentrate. A number of other variables analyzed appear to be of little or no consequence for successful platelet storage.

The addition of prostaglandin E(1) to blood collection bags improved platelet harvesting; platelets were, esily suspended immediately after centrifugation. The treatment with prostaglandin E(1) did not affect the survival time of these platelets after infusion into a recipient.