Implementation of a new platelet pooling system for platelet concentrates led to a higher corrected count increment after transfusion: a comparative observational study of platelet concentrates before and after implementation

Objectives: To study the effect of extended storage of platelet concentrates (PCs) and the implementation of a new platelet pooling system for PCs on corrected count increment (CCI) after transfusion.

Background: Due to new developments and changes in processes or procedures, one should remain alert for the effects of these changes. Besides in vitro studies and validation, in vivo studies are also important, as it has been shown that in vitro results do not always predict in vivo outcomes.

Methods/materials: After introduction of extended storage of PCs for 5-7 days prepared from five buffy coats and plasma, transfusion monitoring for transfusions of PCs in haemato-oncological patients was set up. After 9 months, a new pooling system for PCs was implemented, Composelect instead of Optipure PLT, and transfusion monitoring was continued for another 8 months. The CCI was used as primary outcome.

Results: In total, 93 patients were included and transfused with PCs prepared in the Optipure PLT system (262 transfusions) or in the Composelect system (127 transfusions). Extended storage of PCs for 7 days had no significant effect on CCI. Although the implementation of the Composelect system did not influence the CCI1 h (13.8 ± 6.0 vs. 13.0 ± 5.8; n.s.), it seemed to have a positive effect on CCI24 h (7.0 ± 4.9 vs. 4.7 ± 4.5; P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Although the influence of confounders could not be excluded, it seemed that implementation of the Composelect system for PCs led to an improved CCI24 h and that extended storage of PCs did not influence the CCI.