Introduction: The Intercept Blood System, using InterSol as additive solution, is used for inactivation of contaminating pathogens in PCs, thus reducing the risk for transfusion transmitted infection and making it possible to prolong the storage period. This study aimed at investigating the ability of Intercept treated platelets to induce clot formation, as measured by coagulation time using free oscillation rheometry (FOR), and to compare with that of platelets in concentrates with the additive solution T-Sol or plasma.
Methods: Seventy-four single-donor platelet units were diluted in InterSol (n=27) or T-Sol (n=47) to a mean plasma concentration of 38%. The Intercept treatment was performed by addition of amotosalen HCl to the InterSol PCs followed by UVA irradiation and treatment with a compound adsorption device (CAD). Forty-six units were collected and stored in 100% plasma for comparison. Clotting time was measured by FOR in fresh PCs (within 26h after collection) after stimulation by a platelet activator. Soluble P-selectin was analysed as a marker of platelet activation in the Intercept and T-Sol PCs.
Results: The clotting time was shorter for Intercept treated platelets compared to platelets in T-Sol and plasma (p<0.05). There was no difference in clotting time between T-Sol and plasma PCs. Soluble P-selectin was higher for Intercept platelets than platelets in T-Sol (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The platelets treated with the Intercept procedure had good clot promoting capacity.