platelets storage

Q: Platelets are routinely stored at? - select one

A) cold temperature

B) room temperature 

Answer: B

Platelets are best stored at room temperature because cold temperatures induce clustering of von Willebrand factor (vWF) receptors on the platelet surface. It also causes morphological changes in platelets, leading to enhanced hepatic macrophage clearance and decreased platelet survival in the recipient. All platelets remain metabolically active at room temperature. Platelet bags are designed to allow oxygen and carbon dioxide gas exchange. Citrate is added to prevent clotting and to maintain proper pH. Dextrose is also added as an energy source.

One caveat a clinician should be aware of is that the risk of bacterial infection increases with storage duration. The shelf-life of platelets stored at room temperature is generally only 5 days, counting from midnight on the day of collection. This can be increased to seven days if they use a container approved by the FDA for seven-day storage - AND if the platelet unit(s) are subsequently tested for infection using a bacterial detection device approved and labeled by the FDA as a "safety measure."

#transfusion-medicine

#hematology

References:

1. McCullough J. Overview of platelet transfusion. Semin Hematol 2010; 47:235.

2. 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.

3. Hoffmeister KM, Felbinger TW, Falet H, et al. The clearance mechanism of chilled blood platelets. Cell 2003; 112:87.

4. Rumjantseva V, Grewal PK, Wandall HH, et al. Dual roles for hepatic lectin receptors in the clearance of chilled platelets. Nat Med 2009; 15:1273.