Headlines in Transfusion Medicine: New Options for Platelet Storage
Program Code: 132-TC
Saturday, October 15, 2005
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
Richard Davey, MD, Food and Drug Administration

SPEAKERS
Celso Bianco, MD, International Society of Blood Transfusion
Laura Cooling, MD, MS, University of Michigan

DESCRIPTION
There has been little change in platelet storage requirements for almost 20 years. However, modifications in storage parameters are under active consideration that may both extend and enhance options for storing this critical blood component. Attention to the risks of bacterial contamination of platelets has led to the introduction of sensitive culture methods to detect these contaminants. These technologies are now widely used as a quality control procedure for apheresis platelets. A corollary to the introduction of these detection procedures has been the option of extending the length of storage from five to seven days. In addition, the option of pre-storage pooling of whole blood derived platelets, which makes culturing technologies feasible, is under active study. Current research on new preservative solutions and storage at cold (4ºC) temperatures holds promise for further advancement
s in platelet storage. These topics will be reviewed by experts in the field. There will be ample time for audience participation through questions and answers.