Abstract
BACKGROUND: Platelet concentrates (PCs) have been used for nearly 50 years, significantly impacting transfusion medicine. However, their 5-day shelf life leads to substantial wastage. Apheresis technology offers controlled platelet isolation, and platelet additive solutions (PAS) enhance storage and reduce activation, aiming to extend shelf life. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of platelet activation markers CD62P and Annexin V in apheresis platelet concentrates (APCs) stored in PAS versus autologous plasma from day 1 to day 5. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra. APCs stored in autologous plasma and PAS (InterSol) were collected using a Haemonetics MCS+ cell separator. Activation markers were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: APCs in PAS showed higher baseline activation on day 1. On day 5, CD62P expression was significantly higher in PAS (49.59% vs 38.91%), but Annexin V expression showed no difference due to a rapid increase in plasma. PAS also resulted in higher platelet yield on day 5. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in activation rates between platelets stored in PAS and plasma warrant further research, especially on the roles of potassium and magnesium in PAS. PAS helps manage blood group inventories, reduce ABO antibody titers, and maintain platelet quality for up to 7 days. More extensive studies, particularly in India, are needed to validate these benefits and explore extending PAS storage time.