Characterization of Blood Components Prepared From Whole-Blood Donations After a 24-Hour Hold With the Platelet-RichPlasma Method

Background: The preparation of platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs) from PLT-rich plasma (PRP) requires that whole blood (WB) be processed within 8 hours of collection. Increasing WB storage time to 24 hours would be logistically attractive. This study compares the in vitro quality of blood components prepared from WB stored for 8 and 24 hours at room temperature before processing with the PRP method.

Methods: WB units were collected from ABO-matched blood donors. To reduce individual variations, paired donations were drawn in parallel, pooled, and split back in the collection bag. One unit was held for 6 to 8 hours and the other for 22 to 24 hours at 20 to 24 degrees C. Prestorage leukoreduced components were prepared with the PRP as intermediate product and analyzed during storage.

Results: RBC units prepared after an 8- or 24-hour hold were comparable in terms of hemolysis, sodium, pH, and ATP levels. RBC 2,3- diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) was significantly lower in RBCs prepared from 24-hour hold donations immediately after processing but not after 20 days of storage. Residual white blood cells were approximately fivefold higher (p < 0.05) in 24-hour RBC units. For PCs, measurements for glucose, ATP, lactate, pH, extent of shape change, hypotonic shock response, and CD62p activation were similar. No differences were observed in the von Willebrand factor, factor (F)V, FVIII, and fibrinogen content of fresh-frozen plasma.

Conclusions: The decrease in FVIII and RBC 2,3-DPG can be acceptable as a compromise to improve blood component logistics, but leukoreduction efficiency must be improved before considering the adoption of an overnight storage of WB before PRP processing.