Lengthened Platelet Preservation Achieved

Blood platelets have been preserved at refrigerated temperatures of 2-4o C for 24 hours, with up to 95% survival of intact platelets and 68% as discs in in vitro tests conducted by HyperBaric Systems (New York, NY, USA).

Previous attempts by many other groups, states HyperBaric Sytems, have failed to store platelets for more than four hours in a refrigerator, at which time the disc-to-sphere transformation occurs. This is an indication that they may not circulate in the human body for more than a few hours. The continued circulation of infused platelets for up to several days is an important factor in treating cancer patients who have undergone chemotherapy.

HyperBaric Systems is focused on improving the results of cold storage of platelets for five to seven days with comparable results to those achieved for 24 hours. The company believes this will result in safer blood platelets for transfusion, compared to the current practice of storing platelets at room temperature, where bacteria can grow unchecked. Longer storage periods would allow blood centers and hospitals to optimize platelet inventory and reduce outdated losses.

"Once we are satisfied that we have platelets that have the desired characteristics after five to seven days of cold storage, it is our intent to move quickly to experimental preliminary clinical studies of the platelet survival rate after transfusion into human subjects,” said Harry Masuda, CEO of HyperBaric Systems.



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