Evaluation of apheresis platelet concentrates stored for 5 days in PL 732 bags

To assess the functional viability of platelets collected by standard apheresis techniques using the Fenwal CS‐3000 “closed system” and stored in Fenwal PL 732 plastic bags for 5 days at room temperature with agitation, a number of in vitro parameters (pH, morphology, platelet volume distribution, osmotic recovery, aggregation, and platelet‐associated IgG) were examined as a function of storage time. During the first 24 hours of storage, minimal changes were observed in the test parameters with the exception of ADP‐induced aggregation (75% decrease [10 uM], 84% decrease [5 μM]). Significant differences were observed between fresh (day 0) and 5‐day‐old platelet concentrates in all parameters except median platelet volume. These observed changes in in vitro test parameters with storage time are similar to those previously observed for comparably stored random single‐donor platelet concentrates. Thus, the “closed‐system” PL 732 apheresis platelet concentrates would be expected to be as effective in vivo as random single‐donor platelet concentrates, while minimizing recipient exposure to transmissible agents of infectious disease.