Persistent aggregates in apheresis platelet concentrates are commonly collected from donors with a history of aggregate donation

Abstract

Platelet apheresis sometimes causes persistent aggregates (PA). This study (n = 211) shows that changing the apheresis settings to reach fixed product volumes instead of yields does not influence PA incidence, even though PA products on average contain more platelets than controls. Furthermore, logistic regression was used to model if PA can be predicted on the basis of certain predonation parameters. PA donation history was the only parameter retained, proving a strong determinant of predictability [AUC = 0.735 (SE = 0.022)]. Consequently, donations from a donor with previous PA history are 7.8 times more likely to contain PA than from a donor without preceding history.

Aggregates in apheresis‐derived platelet concentrates: A 5‐year single‐centre experience

“…Donor-related factors that may contribute to the appearance of aggregates cannot be overseen. Previously published studies found that only some donors were more often associated with the appearance of aggregates in APCs than others [1,6,8]. Our study confirmed this observation and suggested the possible additional donor-related factors for PA (donor age, BMI, number of previous donations).…”

“…There is a lack of studies on the effect of APCs with aggregates on the platelet corrected count increment in patients because APCs with persistent aggregates (PA) are in most cases routinely discarded in blood banks [1]. Some researchers found a strong relationship of PA in APCs with donor history of aggregates [6][7][8]. This could imply that there are one or more donor-related factors responsible for the occurrence of aggregates in APCs.…”

“…Some researchers found a strong relationship of PA in APCs with donor history of aggregates [6–8]. This could imply that there are one or more donor‐related factors responsible for the occurrence of aggregates in APCs.…”