Platelets storage

Q: In contrast to other blood products why platelets are stored at room temperature?

Answer: 

Platelets are recommended to be stored at room temperature with a shelf half-life of 5-7 days. Cold causes clustering of von Willebrand factor receptors on the platelet surface. This leads to expediting the clearance of platelets by liver macrophages. 

Cryopreserved platelets can be preserved for years but are not approved for the general public in USA but have been utilized in war zones.

#hematology


References:

1. Murphy S, Gardner FH. Effect of storage temperature on maintenance of platelet viability--deleterious effect of refrigerated storage. N Engl J Med 1969; 280:1094. 

2. Hoffmeister KM, Felbinger TW, Falet H, et al. The clearance mechanism of chilled blood platelets. Cell 2003; 112:87. Marks DC. Cryopreserved platelets: are we there yet? Transfusion 2018; 58:2092.