autologous cold-stored platelets (University Health Network)

Autologous cold-stored platelets are an investigational cellular therapy being developed by the University Health Network in Toronto for the prevention of bleeding in patients undergoing elective complex cardiac surgery. This approach involves collecting a patient's own platelets via apheresis 7-10 days prior to surgery and storing them at cold temperatures (1-6°C) without agitation for up to 14 days. Unlike standard room-temperature storage (20-24°C), cold storage is hypothesized to better preserve and potentially enhance the procoagulant and hemostatic functions of the platelets. The therapy is intended to provide a personalized blood product that reduces the reliance on allogeneic (donor) platelet transfusions and minimizes associated transfusion risks. It is currently being evaluated in the Auto-PLTS randomized patient preference trial (NCT07064954).

Other names

autologous apheresis platelet predonationcold-stored platelets