Background Blood components are irradiated to inactivate lymphocytes in an effort to prevent transfusion‐associated graft versus host disease. Although gamma irradiators are commonly used, they are subjected to rigorous health, safety, and compliance regulations, compared with X‐irradiators which have the advantage of only emitting radiation while the machine is switched on. While the effects of gamma irradiation on platelet components are well known, there is little or no data comparing the effects of X‐ and gamma‐irradiation on the quality of these components. Therefore, this study examined the in vitro quality of platelet components (pooled and apheresis) following X‐ or gamma‐irradiation. Study design and methods Whole‐blood‐derived (pooled) and apheresis platelet components in platelet additive solution (n = 20 pairs for each type) were irradiated (X vs. gamma). In vitro platelet quality was tested prior to irradiation (day 1) and subsequently on days 2, 5, and 7. Non‐irradiated components were tested on day 5 in parallel as reference controls. Metabolic parameters, surface expression of glycoproteins and activation markers (CD62P and annexin‐V binding), and agonist‐induced aggregation were measured. Results All components met Council of Europe specifications. There were no statistical differences in any in vitro quality measurements between X‐ and gamma‐irradiated pooled or apheresis platelet components. Conclusion X‐ and gamma‐irradiation have similar effects on the in vitro quality of stored blood components, indicating that either technology represents a suitable option for irradiation of platelet components.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Cryopreservation provides an option for long‐term storage of platelet concentrates. While platelets are usually frozen as soon as practical after collection (within 2 days), the ability to freeze units at a later stage of the shelf life may improve inventory management. As such, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of freezing platelets approaching expiry (Day 5/6). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two ABO‐matched buffy coat–derived platelets (30% plasma/70% platelet additive solution) were pooled and split to produce matched pairs (n = 8 pairs). Platelets were frozen on Day 1 after collection (cryopreserved platelets [CPPs]) or Day 5 or 6 (expired‐CPPs) at −80°C with 5% to 6% dimethyl sulfoxide. In vitro platelet quality was tested before freezing and after thawing and reconstitution in plasma. RESULTS The majority of prefreeze parameters were equivalent for all platelet units (Day 1 vs. Day 5 or 6). Expired‐CPPs had a higher mean postthaw platelet recovery (82 ± 4%) compared to CPPs (75 ± 4%; p = 0.0021). Cryopreservation resulted in a loss of surface glycoproteins (glycoprotein (GP) Ibα, GPIIb, GPVI), an increase in activation markers (phosphatidylserine and P‐selectin) and microparticle release, compared to unfrozen platelets. However, the cryopreservation‐induced changes were equivalent in CPPs and expired‐CPPs. Functionality was measured by thromboelastography and was similar between expired‐CPPs (R‐time: 5.3 ± 0.3) and CPPs (R‐time: 5.4 ± 0.5; p = 0.7094). CONCLUSION The phenotype and functional profile of platelets frozen at expiry were similar to platelets frozen 1 day following collection. These data suggest that expired platelets may represent a suitable starting material for cryopreservation.
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