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Frozen for combat: Quality of deep‐frozen thrombocytes, produced and used by The Netherlands Armed Forces 2001–2021
Author(s) -
Noorman Femke,
Rijnhout Tim W. H.,
Kort Bob,
Hoencamp Rigo
Publication year - 2023
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.17166
Subject(s) - thromboelastography , fresh frozen plasma , platelet , cryopreservation , chemistry , blood product , dimethyl sulfoxide , blood preservation , clotting time , andrology , medicine , surgery , biology , embryo , organic chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology
Background The Netherlands Armed Forces (NLAF) are using −80°C deep‐frozen thrombocyte concentrate (DTC) since 2001. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of storage duration and alterations in production/measurement techniques on DTC quality. It is expected that DTC quality is unaffected by storage duration and in compliance with the European guidelines for fresh and cryopreserved platelets. Study Design and Methods Pre‐freeze and post‐thaw product platelet content and recovery were collected to analyze the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) type, duration of frozen storage (DMSO‐1 max 12 years and DMSO‐2 frozen DTC max 4 years at −80°C) and type of plasma used to suspend DTC. Coagulation characteristics of thawed DTC, plasma and supernatant of DTC (2× 2500 G) were measured with Kaolin thromboelastography (TEG) and phospholipid (PPL) activity assay. Results Platelet content and recovery of DTC is ±10%–15% lower in short‐stored products and remained stable when stored beyond 0.5 years. Thawed DTC ( n = 1724) were compliant to the European guidelines (98.1% post‐thaw product recovery ≥50% from original product, 98.3% ≥200 × 10 9 platelets/unit). Compared to DMSO‐1, products frozen with DMSO‐2 showed ±8% reduced thaw–freeze recovery, a higher TEG clot strength (MA 58 [6] vs. 64 [8] mm) and same ±11 s PPL clotting time. The use of cold‐stored thawed plasma instead of fresh thawed plasma did not influence product recovery or TEG‐MA. Discussion Regardless of alterations, product quality was in compliance with European guidelines and unaffected by storage duration up to 12 years of −80°C frozen storage.