title: Storage of platelets: effects associated with high platelet content in platelet storage containers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A major problem associated with platelet storage containers is that some platelet units show a dramatic fall in pH, especially above certain platelet contents. The aim of this study was a detailed investigation of the different in vitro effects occurring when the maximum storage capacity of a platelet container is exceeded as compared to normal storage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Buffy coats were combined in large-volume containers to create primary pools to be split into two equal aliquots for the preparation of platelets (450-520×10(9) platelets/unit) in SSP+ for 7-day storage in two containers (test and reference) with different platelet storage capacity (n=8).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Exceeding the maximum storage capacity of the test platelet storage container resulted in immediate negative effects on platelet metabolism and energy supply, but also delayed effects on platelet function, activation and disintegration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study gives a very clear indication of the effects in different phases associated with exceeding the maximum storage capacity of platelet containers but throw little additional light on the mechanism initiating those negative effects. The problem appears to be complex and further studies in different media using different storage containers will be needed to understand the mechanisms involved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm. hans.gulliksson@karolinska.se
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gulliksson
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sandgren
authors.forename: Agneta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sjödin
authors.forename: Kjell
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hultenby
mesh_terms: D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001793:Blood Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015539:Platelet Activation; D010976:Platelet Count; D019064:Product Packaging