Comparison between a new PVC platelet storage container (UPX80) and a polyolefin container.

During storage of platelet concentrates (PCs), the quality of the platelets deteriorates gradually, partially dependent on gas exchange. UPX80 (JMS, Japan) 1-L platelet storage PVC containers with increased gas transport capacity were compared with 1- and 1. 5-L polyolefin (PO) containers (NPBI, the Netherlands) with filtered PCs stored either in GAC (gluconate-acetate-citrate, < 10% plasma) or in plasma, for 8 days. In total 32 PCs were made (260-330 x 109 platelets per concentrate), equally divided over different bags and storage media. During storage, gas exchange, metabolic, physical and activation parameters were measured. No consistent differences for all parameters were observed between UPX80 and PO containers (1-L or 1.5-L). Blood gas parameters indicated better gas exchange for UPX80 containers compared with PO containers. Good morphology was observed in UPX80 and metabolic functions were not significantly different compared with PO containers. During prolonged storage (after day 6), some significant differences in CD62P and CD63 expression were found, indicating a higher degree of platelet activation in UPX80 containers, especially in GAC. UPX80 PC containers are suitable for storage of PCs. Although in UPX80 better gas exchange is demonstrated, as compared with PO containers, this does not improve the platelet quality during storage for 6 days, indicating that gas exchange above the level of PO containers has no effect on the switch to aerobic metabolism in platelets.