Storing platelets safely: Agitators and incubators

When blood is donated, it is separated into components that are useful for treating a variety of conditions.

The primary components are red blood cells, platelets, and blood plasma. Each of these elements needs to be stored and transported in different ways to ensure that it is kept in optimum condition, ready to be used for transfusion at a moment’s notice.

Platelets, otherwise known as thrombocytes, are made in the bone marrow. They are small and colourless cell fragments within the blood. The main function of platelets is to stick to the lining of blood vessels, helping to slow or prevent bleeding. They are often used in cancer treatments, organ transplants and surgery for this reason.

In this blog, we will discuss how platelets should be stored and agitated in a safe and controlled manner.

How are platelets stored?

When stored properly, at room temperature, platelets can be kept for up to 5 days without suffering any deterioration. However, the ambient room temperature can change depending on the weather, heating and air conditioning, and windows and doors being left open.

That’s why platelet incubators are a vital piece of blood bank equipment. They guarantee that the platelets will remain at the temperature dictated by the user. The ideal temperature for platelets is between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius.

Platelets also require constant, gentle agitation to prevent them from clumping. The linear flat-bed movements provided by our platelet agitators are proven to provide the best results, keeping the platelets in optimum condition. Tumblers or elliptical agitators, on the other hand, can cause damage to the delicate platelet membranes.

During transportation, platelets can tolerate short periods without agitation. However, research shows that the longer the platelets are not agitated for, the greater the chance of local hypoxia. This can cause irreversible damage to the platelets, rendering them completely unusable for transfusion.

Platelet incubators and platelet agitators

Here at QED Scientific, we offer a range of platelet incubators and agitators that are purpose built for the safe and controlled storage of blood platelets.

We provide bench top, under bench and floor standing platelet incubators, the largest of which has capacity for up to 300 bags.

These platelet incubators can accommodate multiple platelet agitators, and feature:

·       Variable agitation speed.

·       Consistent temperature of 22°C.

·       Temperature and motion detection alarms.

·       Eco-friendly non-CFC refrigerant.

·       Glass doors for easy viewing.

·       Smart controller with 10 years of temperature data transferable by USB.

·       Battery 24 hour backup of controller and printer.

·       Thermal printer and 5.5” touch screen display as standard.

·       Internal lighting

·       MDD 93/42/EEC registered

Speak to our blood bank equipment experts

QED Scientific have partnered with leading manufacturers such as CoolerMed, Emsas and KW Apparecchi to bring our clients a comprehensive range of quality, pioneering equipment that is specifically designed for modern blood banks.

Whatever your requirements for blood bank equipment, we can cooperate with our manufacturers to find the ideal solution.

If you require more information on the benefits of our platelet incubators, platelet agitators or any of our other blood bank equipment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable and friendly team.

You can give us a call on 01663 735494 to speak with a member of staff directly. Alternatively, send us a message using our online contact form for a speedy and well-informed response.