TRANSFUSION Vol. 16
January- Feb rua ry , 1976
No. 1 Special Reports
Status Report on Methods of Platelet Preservation JOSEPHC. FRATANTONI From rhe Blood Diseases Branch, National Hearr and Lung Insrirure, Bethesda, Maryland
THE
NATIONAL HEART AND
LUNG
by freezing was a desirable technique but the technical methods applied to red blood cells did not seem applicable because of the sensitivity of platelets. The investigators involved in the studies met together in January 1975. At that time, the most recent data was presented and discussed. Although no definitive recommendations could be given at that time, it was felt that the status of this work should be reported. Each of the investigators working under this contract was invited to prepare a brief report of the status of the problem and a brief discussion of relevant data. A similar invitation was also extended to other investigators not supported by NHLI contracts at this time but who were intimately involved with the field and who attended the January meeting. The Division of Blood Diseases and Resources considers this problem to be a high priority area for further investigation. It is hoped that the information contained in these brief papers will be of interest and assistance to all those involved with platelet transfusion.
IN-
issued a request for a proposal entitled “Studies To Improve Methods of Platelet Preservation” on March 6, 1970. At that time, it was observed that the demand for platelets for transfusion was increasing. There were difficulties with the methods then available for preparing platelets from fresh blood-these were time consuming, expensive, and wasteful. The viability of these platelets was limited and test methods were not standardized. In addition, preparation and storage techniques for red blood cells had been markedly improved and it seemed reasonable that similar techniques could be applied to platelets. Proposals were received in response to this request and several contracts were awarded. During the course of the work which was done under these contracts, the following became obvious: 1) the optimum temperature for storage of platelets for transfusion was uncertain; 2) methods for testing the viability of platelets to be used for transfusion were unproven and cumbersome. These consisted of platelet survival using radioactive tagging, increment in platelet counts, and hemostatic efficacy; 3) the availability of suitable patients for study was quite limited; and 4) storage of platelets STITUTE
Joseph C. Fratantoni, M.D., Chief, Blood Diseases Branch, National Heart and Lung Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, 20014.
1 Transfusion Jan.-Fcb. 1976
Volume 16
Number I
January- Feb rua ry , 1976
No. 1 Special Reports
Status Report on Methods of Platelet Preservation JOSEPHC. FRATANTONI From rhe Blood Diseases Branch, National Hearr and Lung Insrirure, Bethesda, Maryland
THE
NATIONAL HEART AND
LUNG
by freezing was a desirable technique but the technical methods applied to red blood cells did not seem applicable because of the sensitivity of platelets. The investigators involved in the studies met together in January 1975. At that time, the most recent data was presented and discussed. Although no definitive recommendations could be given at that time, it was felt that the status of this work should be reported. Each of the investigators working under this contract was invited to prepare a brief report of the status of the problem and a brief discussion of relevant data. A similar invitation was also extended to other investigators not supported by NHLI contracts at this time but who were intimately involved with the field and who attended the January meeting. The Division of Blood Diseases and Resources considers this problem to be a high priority area for further investigation. It is hoped that the information contained in these brief papers will be of interest and assistance to all those involved with platelet transfusion.
IN-
issued a request for a proposal entitled “Studies To Improve Methods of Platelet Preservation” on March 6, 1970. At that time, it was observed that the demand for platelets for transfusion was increasing. There were difficulties with the methods then available for preparing platelets from fresh blood-these were time consuming, expensive, and wasteful. The viability of these platelets was limited and test methods were not standardized. In addition, preparation and storage techniques for red blood cells had been markedly improved and it seemed reasonable that similar techniques could be applied to platelets. Proposals were received in response to this request and several contracts were awarded. During the course of the work which was done under these contracts, the following became obvious: 1) the optimum temperature for storage of platelets for transfusion was uncertain; 2) methods for testing the viability of platelets to be used for transfusion were unproven and cumbersome. These consisted of platelet survival using radioactive tagging, increment in platelet counts, and hemostatic efficacy; 3) the availability of suitable patients for study was quite limited; and 4) storage of platelets STITUTE
Joseph C. Fratantoni, M.D., Chief, Blood Diseases Branch, National Heart and Lung Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, 20014.
1 Transfusion Jan.-Fcb. 1976
Volume 16
Number I
