Evaluation and improvement of cold stored platelets

Platelets are small particles in blood that stop bleeding. They are an essential transfusion product used in hospital and clinics. Currently, platelets can only be stored for 7 days at room temperature (22°C) with constant shaking before they are thrown away. This short storage time causes platelet wastage. In addition, room temperature storage may allow bacteria and other microogranisms to grow in platelet products. When these platelet products are used, they present significant risk to platelet transfusion recipients. To combat these problems, we aim to evaluate the characteristics of cold-stored platelets and improve their quality. Cold temperatures can slow microorganism growth and the stored platelet product will be safer for transfusion. Also, the ability of platelets to stop bleeding may be better preserved. We plan to prolong the storage time of platelets beyond 7 days using cold storage. This will significantly lower platelet wastage and reduce costs for the health care system. Longer storage time also enables platelet products to be transported to remote parts of the country. This will make platelet products more readily available to Canadians. By researching cold storage platelets, we hope to product a platelet product that is safer, more effective and cheaper for Canadians.

DEVINE, Dana

University of British Columbia

Graduate Fellowship Program

British Columbia

$104,000