Effect of Storage up to 48 Hours on Response to Transfusions of Platelet Rich Plasma

The effect of in vitro storage of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the circulating platelet count following platelet transfusion was evaluated in patients with thrombocytopenia and acute leukemia. PRP was obtained by plasmapheresis using ACD anticoagulant. There was little or no decline in response to PRP up to seven hours after donation whether kept at room temperature or at 4 C. In order to study the effect of storage at 4 C. for 24 and 48 hours, a protocol was designed which limited donor‐patient variables. PRP stored 24 and 48 hours was 62 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, as effective as fresh PRP in elevating the platelet count in the recipient one hour after transfusion. Stored platelets are less than 5 per cent as effective as fresh PRP in maintaining elevation of platelet count 20 hours after transfusion. These studies define, quantitatively, the effect of short‐term storage on response to transfusions of platelet rich plasma.