The Air Bubbles and Foam in the Bag of Platelet: Effects on the Quality of the Final Product

Background and Aims: The quality of platelets (PLT) during storage is influenced by various factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential effects of the air bubbles and foam in the bag of PLT and its effects on the quality of the final product. Materials and Methods: In this paired-study, the air bubbles and foam, which develops after the preparation of the PLT units were excluded from the control units (n=10), but not from the test units (n=10). Various in vitro variables after the 5-day storage was evaluated, including measurements of PLT counts, mean PLT volume (MPV), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), PH, swirling, aggregation response, and the expression of CD62P. Results: PLT count was lower (p=0.001) and LDH was higher (p=0.006) in the test vs. control units. PH was maintained at > 7 (day 5) and swirling remained at the highest level (score=2) for all units throughout storage. No significant difference in MPV and CD62P expression was detected between the groups. Conclusions: It was found that the storage of PLTs in bags containing air bubbles and foam after five day storage period increased disintegration of the PLTs.