Maintenance of in vitro properties of leukoreduced whole blood–derived pooled platelets after a 24‐hour interruption of agitation

BACKGROUND: Continuous agitation during platelet concentrate (PC) storage is frequently interrupted during shipping. Studies have evaluated the effects of interrupted agitation in apheresis and single whole blood-derived PCs, but not PC pools. This study evaluated in vitro properties of pooled whole blood-derived platelets (PLTs) after a 24-hour interruption of agitation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eleven ABO-identical leukoreduced whole blood-derived PCs (Leukotrap RC-PL, Pall), pooled in a transfer container, were equally divided into each of two CLX-HP containers (Acrodose PL, Pall). One pool (test) was held in a shipping container unagitated for 24 hours between Day 2 and Day 3, while the other (control) was continuously agitated. RESULTS: Ten pairs underwent in vitro assays after 5 and 7 days' storage. Pools contained a mean (+/-SD) of 5.0 x 10(11) +/- 0.4 x 10(11) PLTs. Interrupting agitation for 24 hours reduced test pool pH versus control after 5 days' storage (6.77 +/- 0.15 vs. 6.98 +/- 0.06, p = 0.0005). Test and control pH differences were greater after 7 days' storage (6.17 +/- 0.29 vs. 6.65 +/- 0.14, p < 0.0001); 5 of 10 test pool pHs were less than 6.2 (vs. 0 of 10 controls). Other test pool key in vitro variables were reduced compared with controls after 5 days' storage, with greater differences after 7 days. CONCLUSION: After 5 days' storage, pooled leukoreduced whole blood-derived-PCs in CLX-HP containers adequately maintained pH and other key in vitro variables after a 24-hour interruption of agitation. After 7 days' storage, 5 of 10 pools did not maintain a pH value of 6.2 or greater while matched continuously agitated units did.