A COMPARATIVE-STUDY IN VOLUNTEERS OF APHERESIS AND BUFFY COAT DERIVEDPLATELETS

It is important that, at the time of transfusion, platelets prepared b y different techniques are effective in vivo and meet acceptable crite ria, A paired study was undertaken in 8 volunteer donors to compare ap heresis platelets collected on the COBE Spectra with platelets derived from the buffy coat of whole blood donations after 5 days storage, In vivo recovery, survival and biodistribution mere determined following indium-111 labelling of the platelets and autologous infusion into vo lunteers together with the in vitro evaluation of platelet function an d biochemistry. The in vivo and in vitro characteristics of both types of platelet concentrate were not significantly different, Both produc ts were equally viable after 5 d storage and both were of an acceptabl e quality as judged by currently used platelet products, Mean platelet survival (multiple hit) was 5.4 d for the apheresis platelets and 6.9 d for the buffy coat derived platelets and maximum recovery in circul ation was 28.1% and 34.8%, respectively, There was a significantly hig her platelet yield, as expected, from apheresis and a 1.5 log lower le vel of white cell contamination, This would be advantageous for patien ts in need of prolonged or recurrent transfusions as the number of don or exposures and the risk of alloimmunisation or viral transmission wo uld be reduced.