MORPHOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL-CHANGES OF PLATELET CONCENTRATES STORED IN PVC BAGS

To assess the effect of storage bags on platelets, we studied the morp hological and ultrastructural changes of samples drawn from platelet c oncentrates (PC) prepared and stored in triple, poly vinyl chloride (P VC) bags, manufactured in India. Using the scanning electron microscop y, we demonstrate formation of long pseudopods, and interaction throug h these to form aggregates. When platelets were stored at 23+/-2 degre es C, morphological changes were severe compared to the deleterious ef fects when kept at 22+/-0.5 degrees C. Ultrastructural analysis also s howed that maintenance of discoid shape and prevention of granule secr etion could be improved by storing tile platelets at 22+/-0.5 degrees C. Significant degree of platelet fragmentation took place when the st orage temperature was high. The morphology score done for platelets st ored st both 22+/-0.5 degrees C and 23+/-2 degrees C showed that prese rvation of discoid shape was better with the former.