A comparative study on delayed refrigeration versus refrigeration for extending the shelf life of platelets

FENG Na; LIANG Shi-da; ZENG Si-hai; FU Yu-bin

doi:10.13820/j.cnki.gdyx.20251310

Abstract：Objective To evaluate the preservation quality of delayed-refrigerated platelets and their potential clinical applicability,providing evidence for optimizing platelet inventory management in China.Methods Thirty donors provided double apheresis platelet units.One unit was immediately stored under non-agitated refrigeration(continuous refrigeration group),while the other unit was maintained under room-temperature agitation until day 5,then refrigerated(delayed refrigeration group).Samples were collected on days 1,5,8,12,and 16 to assess platelet count,leukocyte count,pH,glucose,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and activation/membrane integrity markers(CD62P,CD41,CD61,CD42b).Metabolic activity,membrane integrity,and activation potential were compared between the two groups.Results All platelet units met the quality standards of the Guidelines for Preparation,Use,and Quality Assurance of Blood Com-ponents within the first 12 days.Glucose consumption was significantly higher in the delayed refrigeration group(P＜0.05),yet glucose remained＞8 mmol/L and LDH＜400 U/L at the final sampling.CD62P,CD41,and CD61(days 5,12,16)levels were higher in the continuous refrigeration group(P＜0.05),although both groups exhibited parallel trends.CD42b,reflecting membrane integrity,declined similarly in both groups without significant intergroup differences(P＞0.05).Conclusion Delayed refrigeration can extend platelet shelf-life from 5 to 12 days without compromising current quality standards,reducing waste and offering a feasible storage strategy.This approach also allows platelet func-tionality to be enhanced on-demand before transfusion,providing more flexible clinical treatment options.