Evaluation of Random Donor Platelets Produced from Buffy Coat Stored for 24 h at Ambient Temperature: Should This be Implemented in India?

Whole blood derived platelets are made from platelet rich plasma (PRP) method or buffy coat (BC) method. In India majority of random donor platelets (RDPs) are prepared by PRP method. However, BC method offers the advantage of less platelet activation and fewer WBC contamination. Presently in India RDPs are prepared within 8 h of whole blood collection, whereas, in Europe this time limit is up to 24 h. Our aim was to evaluate the platelet count, WBC contamination, platelet CD62P expression, and biochemical parameters of RDPs prepared from BC within 8 h and within 24 h of collection. We prepared 40 units of RDP by the BC method from whole blood stored at room temperature within 8 h of collection (fresh BC), and another 40 units from BC stored at 22 °C for <24 h (stored BC). We analyzed the platelet counts, CD62P expression, WBC counts, glucose levels, pH, PO2, PCO2 in both the groups of RDPs, 24 h after respective preparation. The platelet counts from stored BC was higher in fresh BC. CD62P expression was low in stored BC compared to fresh BC. There were no differences of pH, pO2, pCO2 and glucose levels in fresh BC and stored BC. WBC contamination was more in fresh BC. Our study stored BC contained higher platelet counts, less WBC contamination and less platelet activation. We conclude that RDP prepared from stored BC is the better method for RDP production.