Response of platelet concentrates to pressure and temperature changes without impairment of the in vitro function

•Response of platelet concentrates to pressure and temperature changes without impairment of the in vitro function.•Exposure of PC to PTS, warming/pressure did not decrease hemostatic efficacy of PC.•Single PTS transport reduces ADP response in fresh PCs measured by MEA and LTA.•Storage had a considerable effect on metabolic features and platelet function.•Storage for 7 days had a more pronounced effect on the ADP and collagen response.

BackgroundRapid platelet concentrate (PC) transfusion is crucial for hemostatic resuscitation. Pressure-aided and warmed transfusion combined with pneumatic tube system (PTS) transport from the laboratory to the operating theatre offers a potentially rapid delivery technique. The aim of this study is a quantitative assessment of in vitro platelet function after PTS transport followed by warmed and/or pressure-aided mock transfusions.MethodsTen PC samples entered a single PTS run and were subsequently aliquoted for testing. PCs were warmed in a blood warmer and/or subjected to pressure-aided mock transfusion at 300 mm Hg on day 2 or day 7 after collection. Platelet function was assessed using light-transmission aggregometry and multiple-electrode aggregometry to measure the response to ADP, arachidonic acid, collagen, and thrombin-receptor activating peptide. Data were analyzed with non-parametric testing; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsSingle PTS transport markedly reduced ADP response in fresh PCs. Seven-day storage had a pronounced effect on both ADP and collagen response. All other tested platelet agonists revealed preserved function. Subsequent warming and/or application of pressure did not significantly compromise platelet function.ConclusionsPressure-aided plus warmed transfusion and PTS transport was not found to be detrimental to the PC. Further clinical studies are required to determine safety and efficacy of the product.