Background: The quality of platelet concentrates (PCs) is an important issue in transfusion therapy. Under blood bank storage conditions, platelets undergo a series of physical, metabolic & physiological changes which influence their lifespan. Aim: To assess effect of storage on the quality of PCs by various parameters in order to increase the lifespan Method: PCs prepared from healthy blood donors were included. The platelet indices including mean platelet volume, plateletcrit and platelet count, CD41 as a measure of function, pH, glucose levels and platelet derived cytokines RANTES (by ELISA) wereanalyzed. Eleven PCs were included and analyzed for above parameters on Day 0 (day of collection), Day 3 and Day 5. Results: The significant changes in parameters over Days 0, 3 and 5 included 1) Fall in glucose levels: From a mean of 495.3 on Day 0 to 366.7 mg/dl on Day 3. The decrease in levels was statistically significant (p<0.01)2) pH fell from 7.68 (Day 0) to 7.27 on Days 3 and 7 on day 5. Two PC bags reached a pH of 6 on Day 5, which is the limit for platelet viability.3) Platelet count and CD 41 antigenicity did not show significant variation (p>0.5)4) RANTES levels were markedly increased (11875pg/ml on day 5)Conclusion:Measurement of platelet indices with pH can serve as quality indicator for PC. Marked increase in RANTES indicates lifespan of PCs cannot be extended beyond 5 days. Improvement in technologies in preparation, storage and filtration will enhance quality of PCs.

Key words: Platelet concentrates; Quality; Storage.