Effect of platelet storage on complement activation

Background Many specialists involved in patient care, from laboratory personnel to clinical physicians, are interested in platelet transfusion. In the field of transfusion medicine, the complement cascade is crucial. The study aimed to detect the complement levels of platelet-rich plasma to see whether there was a risk of transfusion of stored platelets. Study design and methods For 5 days, 10 U of platelet-rich plasma were stored on a platelet rotator at a temperature of 22–24°C. On days 0 (baseline), 3, 4, and 5, samples were taken using a sterile technique. C3a and C4d were tested as complement components to evaluate the level of complement activation. Both the platelet count and culturing were performed on the same day. Results Both C3a and C4d were insignificantly elevated over storage time up to day 5 compared with day 0 (baseline sample). Throughout the storage days, the platelet count decreased significantly. Culture had no significant impact. Conclusion Our findings show that under standard storage conditions, platelet storage had minimal complement activation or contamination, but with a significant decrease in platelet count.