Increasing platelet concentrate shelf life from 5 to 7 days : a pilot study

Abstract

According to current guidelines, platelets are stored at 22°C±2°C with constant agitation in bags that permit proper gaseous exchange for up to 5 days. The need and demand for platelet transfusions is constantly on the rise because of their function in haemostasis, and being a vital part of cancer treatment, as well as prophylactic administration in certain cases. The short shelf life of platelets poses a problem in terms of availability and a costly waste of resources, equipment, and personnel time management. Increasing the shelf life from the current 5-day storage period to 7 days is one way of managing this problem. A 7-day storage shelf life is already implemented by various blood banks worldwide. It is well known that there are certain risks in extending the shelf life of this blood component. Being stored at a temperature of 22±°C makes platelets an optimal medium for bacteria to flourish and may also subject them to what is known as platelet storage lesions, two factors that need to be considered before addressing an extension in shelf life. This study evaluated the impact of extending platelet storage from 5 to 7 days, focusing on key safety and quality parameters. 20 pooled platelet concentrates were monitored at days 1, 5 and 7 for platelet count and indices, pH, glucose, and lactate dehydrogenase, which are established markers of cell viability and function. Cytokine levels of platelet factor 4 (PF4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were measured using ELISA to assess cytokine accumulation linked to febrile transfusion reactions. Sterility testing via BacT/ALERT bottles was performed on day 7 to check for microbial contamination. Statistical analysis of the results obtained, revealed no significant differences between days 5 and 7 across all parameters, with p-values all above the 0.05 level of significance. No bacterial growth was detected in any samples. These findings suggest that extending the shelf life of platelets from 5 to 7 days may be feasible without compromising safety or quality, supporting potential implementation by the local blood establishment.