Automated platelet-rich plasma collection: A survey of 5 years' experience

Abstract In 1984 we began collecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from volunteer donors to meet the increasing demand for platelet concentrates (PC) in our region. A panel of 700 donors now contributes 30% of PC issued. Each donation of 500–550 mL is secondarily processed to a PC of 150 mL containing a mean 1.7 × 10 11 platelets and 350–400 mL of platelet-poor plasma (PPP) for fractionation. The procedures are usually of 45 min duration. Platelet function is well preserved during 5 days of storage as measured by pH, lactate evolution, hypotonic shock response and ristocetin-induced aggregation, although there is a marked fall in aggregatory response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen. The procedural complications relating to donors (5.7%), harnesses (0.3%) and machines (0.5%) (1988 figures) have remained at an acceptable level.