The influence of simulated shipping conditions (24- or 30-hr interruption of agitation) on the in vitro properties of apheresis platelets during 7-day storage.

Background: Platelet (PLT) components undergo interruption of agitation during shipment. Studies have demonstrated maintenance of PLT quality of whole blood-derived PLT concentrates during a 24-hour interruption of agitation, but data are not available for apheresis PLTs in 100 percent plasma.

Methods: Apheresis PLTs were collected with one of two commercially available separators (Amicus, Fenwal, Inc.; or Trima Accel, Gambro BCT) to provide two identical PLT products, each with approximately 3 x 10(11) to 4.5 x 10(11) PLTs. The control product was continuously agitated. The test product was subjected to a continuous 24- or 30-hour period of interrupted agitation between Day 2 and Day 3 of storage by placement in a standard shipping box at room temperature.

Results: Interrupting agitation for 24 or 30 hours influenced in vitro PLT properties to various degrees. After 5 days of storage, pH levels were judged to be well maintained after 24 hours without agitation for PLTs collected with both separators (pH < 6.2, Trima [0/12] and Amicus [0/12]). The changes in other variables associated with the retention of postinfusion viability were also considered limited and acceptable in units subjected to a 24-hour interruption of agitation. After 7 days of storage including a 24-hour interruption of agitation, Trima PLTs better maintained PLT properties compared to Amicus PLTs. With a 30-hour period, both Trima and Amicus PLTs were deemed satisfactory for pH at 5 days, but not at 7 days (pH < 6.2: Day 5, Trima [0/23] and Amicus [1/22]; Day 7, Trima [5/23] and Amicus [4/17]).

Conclusions: Based on the retention of pH levels of at least 6.2, apheresis PLT quality was maintained for 5 days with a 24-hour and a 30-hour interruption of agitation.