Investigation on application of cryopreserved platelets without dimethyl sulfoxide elution of blood collection and supply institutions in China

Objective To explore the application of cryopreserved platelets without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) elution of blood collection and supply institutions in China. Methods From November to December 2015, a total of 352 blood collection and supply institutions of 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across China were selected as research subjects by random sampling method. The application of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution in the blood collection and supply institutions of this study was investigated by telephone inquiries. The application of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution mainly refered to the preparation and clinical release of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO eluction of blood collection and supply institutions. The specific investigation items were as follows: ① the application time of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution as of December 2015; ② annual application of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution as of December 2015; ③ whether still use cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution currently; ④ the reasons for discontinuation of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution; ⑤ whether cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution would still be used; ⑥ the transfusion adverse reactions of patients who accepted transfusion of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution. Results Among the 352 blood collection and supply institutions of 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in this study, there were 196 institutions which had used cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution in the past, accounting for 55.7% (196/352) of all blood collection and supply institutions in the study. As of December 2015, the total application amount of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution was 290 377 U in these 196 institutions, with an average application time of 8.3 years, and a maximum application time of 15 years. There was no clinical report of transfusion adverse reactions in patients who transfused cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution. As of December 2015, a number of 133 blood collection and supply institutions still used cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution, accounting for 37.8% (133/352) of all institutions surveyed, and accounting 67.9% (133/196) of institutions which had used cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution previously. Among 196 blood collection and supply institutions which had used cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution previously, a number of 63 institutions had stopped using cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution. The reason for discontinuation of application of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution was without related national standard. The average application time for cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution of institutions before discontinuation was 5.1 years. Conclusions In the blood collection and supply institutions nationwide, the application time of cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution is long and the application amount is large, and none relevant adverse reaction of transfusion is observed. Cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution have clinical feasibility. However, due to the lack of national standards related to the cryopreserved platelets without DMSO elution currently, the promotion and application of them are limited. Key words: Dimethyl sulfoxide; Cryopreserved platelets; Clinical application; Feasibility; Surveys