Currently, the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood produces apheresis platelets suspended in 100% plasma. From 28 March 2019, we will be modifying our collection and manufacturing processes to produce apheresis platelets suspended in platelet additive solution (PAS), using the same additive solution, SSP+, as is presently used in the manufacture of pooled platelets.

This new component – Apheresis Platelets in Platelet Addition Solution (PAS) – will have reduced levels of residual plasma, which can be expected to reduce the incidence of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and allergic reactions in patients receiving these components. It is still recommended, however, that transfusion of minor ABO-mismatched apheresis platelets in PAS be avoided unless they are labelled as having ‘Low anti-A/B’.

Concurrently, we will commence manufacturing triple dose apheresis platelets from suitable plateletpheresis donations. At present, the Blood Service collects single and double dose apheresis platelets. The introduction of triple dose platelet collections will help improve overall platelet availability, particularly during periods of high clinical demand.

A comparison between the old and new products is available here.