Precious platelets: The utility of cold-stored and cryopreserved platelets

• Main Authors: Rizwan Javed, Frozan Ahmadi, Asheer Jawed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Global Journal of Transfusion Medicine
• Subjects: bleeding; cold-stored platelets; cryopreserved platelets
• Online Access: http://www.gjtmonline.com/article.asp?issn=2468-8398;year=2020;volume=5;issue=1;spage=17;epage=21;aulast=Javed

The current storage temperature of platelets prepared by both pooled buffy coats and by apheresis is 22°C + 2°C (room temperature [RT]). The adverse microbiological and metabolic implications associated with RT storage have restricted the shelf life of platelets from 5 to 7 days. The proposed alternative is cold-stored (4°C) platelets that could be stored for 21 days and cryopreserved platelets with dimethyl sulfoxide for up to 2 years at −80°C. An increase in shelf life could be of great utility in rural and military settings. Based on the proven quality and properties of cold-stored platelets, the US Food and Drug Authority has approved its use for up to 3 days in patients having active bleeding.