| Abstract: | In order to determine if platelet concentrate could be transfused through microaggregate filters, platelets collected in CPD and CPDA-1 preservatives were passed through the currently available microaggregate blood filters. Both clean filters and filters preloaded with two units of outdated whole blood were studied. Prefiltration and postfiltration testing included determination of platelet count, per cent maximal ADP aggregation, release of B-thromboglobulin, and morphologic examination using electron microscopy. Compared to the prefiltration values, those for postfiltration showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) for any of the microaggregate filters tested. Filtration itself did not appear to affect platelet morphology. Unlike the platelets in stored concentrates, however, a significant (p < 0.05) number of the platelets contained in fresh whole blood (27 to 45%) were removed by depth-type microaggregate filters. Platelets remaining in the filter residual volume could be readily eluted by rinsing with crystalloid or colloid solutions. Due to development of an in vitro storage lesion, platelet concentrates can be transfused through new or used microaggregate filters without loss of platelet number or changes in platelet function as measured in vitro. |
