OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of the 25 Gy ⁶⁰Co irradiation on the physiological and biochemical properties and the functions of the platelets during storage.

METHODSA total of 15 bags of platelets were apheresis-collected from 15 healthy donors, and each bag of platelets were divided into 2 parts, then the platelets were divided into the control group (without 25 Gy ⁶⁰Co irradiation) and the irradiated group (with 25 Gy ⁶⁰Co irradiation) groups. The two groups of platelets were kept under the condition of (22 ± 2) °C and shaken. The Platelet count and pH value were detected on the d 1, d 2, d 3, d 4 and d 5. The variables such as R, K values, α angle and maximal amplitude (MA) were measured by thrombelastography on the same days. Hypotonic shock response (HSR), morphological score were devised.

RESULTSThere were no statistically significant difference in Plt counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribute width (PDW) and pH between the two groups (P > 0.05), and Plt count decreased on the end of storage. There were no marked changes in HSR level and morphological score between the two groups during storage, and there were no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the TEG analysis there were no significant difference of the R, K, α angle and MA values between the two groups (P > 0.05). R value showed upward trend increased along with prolongation of preserved time (P < 0.01), no significant changes in α angle (P > 0.05), K value was slightly higher and MA value was lower in the last day of storage than the days 1-4 (P < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSION25 Gy ⁶⁰Co gamma-ray irradiation can not damage the physiological, biochemical properties and the functions of the platelets during storage. In order to ensure the best curative effect, it is suggested that no matter the platelets were irradiated or not, the platelets should be used as soon as possible.