Quality assessment and transfusion efficacy of buffy coat-derived platelet concentrates washed with platelet additive solution

Transfusion of washed platelet concentrates (W-PC) is recommended for some patients, such as those who have had previous severe allergic transfusion reactions. However, we still lack a standardised method for preparing these products. Here, we assessed the effect of a manual washing procedure on in vitro platelet quality and on the transfusion efficacy of W-PCs.Buffy coat-derived W-PC in Composol solution were prepared by one-step centrifugation. Platelet activation and function were evaluated before and after washing by means of: (i) CD62 expression by flow cytometry; (ii) platelet aggregation (LTA); and (iii) the VerifyNowPlatelet recovery in W-PC was 84.8±5.4%. Washing slightly increased platelet activation in W-PC vs pre-washed samples (% CD62+ platelets 23.6±7 vs 14.8±1; p=0.03). As compared to prewash samples, platelet reactivity of W-PC as measured by VerifyNowWe have set up a simple method to obtain buffy-coat-derived W-PC, which has minor effects on in vitro platelet quality and transfusion effectiveness. This procedure can be easily implemented in transfusion centres for on-demand preparation of washed platelets.