Are donor predonation variables related to the quality of single donor platelets? – A tertiary care center experience

Introduction: Platelets are the most common product collected by apheresis. The product obtained is called single donor platelets (SDPs). The quality of the SDP is determined by the platelet yield (that is platelet count of the SDP product), which in turn directly influences the patient recovery. Materials and Methods: In the present study, donor demographic and complete blood count parameters were studied and their influence on the yield of the SDP was analyzed. With such an analysis, a better quality product (with a good platelet yield) can be obtained consequently improving clinical outcome. This would allow prolonging intervals between transfusions. Results: Parameters such as height, weight, and body mass index did not statistically influence the platelet yield in this study, unlike the results obtained by past studies. The most consistent parameter found to influence the platelet yield was platelet count of the donor. Healthy donors with high platelet counts can yield better platelet yield in SDPs in a shorter time and therefore improve the clinical outcome in patients with thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: It is important to consider hematological characteristics of the donors on an individual basis so as to ensure a good quality of the plateletpheresis product.