Evaluation of Day-to-Day Variation in Platelet Count and pH of Platelet Single Unit Stored at 20-24◦C at Al-Nafees Medical College and Hospital, Islamabad

Abstract

Background: Platelet concentrates are highly sensitive blood components whose quality progressively declines during storage because of metabolic and structural alterations collectively described as platelet storage lesions. Serial monitoring of simple laboratory indicators such as platelet count and pH may help assess product viability during routine blood bank storage. Objective: To evaluate day-to-day changes in platelet count and pH in platelet concentrate units stored at 20–24°C with continuous agitation over five days. Methods: This prospective in-vitro repeated-measures laboratory study was conducted from September to December 2025 at Al-Nafees Medical College and Hospital, Islamabad. Eighty platelet concentrate units derived from individual whole-blood donations and prepared by the platelet-rich plasma method were included. Units meeting predefined storage and quality criteria were monitored daily from Day 1 to Day 5. Platelet count was measured using an automated hematology analyzer and pH was assessed using a calibrated digital pH meter. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 27 using repeated-measures analysis, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Mean pH declined from 7.29 on Day 1 to 7.07 on Day 5, while mean platelet count decreased from 7.34 × 10¹⁰ to 4.88 × 10¹⁰ per unit over the same period. Both parameters showed statistically significant time-dependent decline. pH remained within acceptable viability limits throughout storage, whereas platelet count showed a steeper reduction, with accelerated quantitative loss after Day 3. Conclusion: Platelet concentrate units stored at 20–24°C undergo significant day-wise deterioration over five days, with platelet count showing greater sensitivity to prolonged storage than pH. Serial monitoring may support quality assurance and guide timely utilization of stored platelet products.