Storage of aliquots of apheresis platelets for neonatal use in syringes with and without agitation

BACKGROUND: To facilitate volume control in neonates, platelets (PLTs) are aliquoted and stored for short periods in non–gas‐permeable syringes before infusion. Although agitation of PLTs during storage in gas‐permeable bags is performed to maintain their quality, the effect of syringe agitation during storage is unknown. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Double apheresis PLTs (n = 6) were collected and split, providing two identical products. On Days 2 and 4 of storage, aliquots from one bag of each pair were transferred to two syringes and stored for 6 hours on flatbed agitator or were left at 20 to 24°C without agitation. A series of in vitro tests was performed on Days 0, 2 (Hours 0 and 6), and 4 (Hours 0 and 6). Control samples were obtained from the second matched bag that was stored on the agitator. Data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance with differences considered significant if the p value was less than 0.05. RESULTS: Comparable results for several PLT variables were obtained with or without agitation of the syringes. On Day 4 Hour 6, pH values were 7.18 ± 0.12 (agitated syringes) and 7.19 ± 0.1 (nonagitated syringes), and extent of shape change and hypotonic shock response measurements were not significantly different between agitated syringes and nonagitated syringes (23.7 ± 6.4 and 74.3 ± 9.8% vs. 23.3 ± 5.4 and 76.0 ± 7.6%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on in vitro testing, apheresis PLT aliquots can be stored in syringes for at least 6 hours without agitation before transfusions.