An Optimized Strategy for Choosing the Number of Platelet Concentrates to Pool

Abstract Context.—The number of platelet concentrates (PCs) pooled per dose varies widely. The number should be based on quality control statistics. Objective.—To determine the optimal number of PCs per pool that will achieve a target dose. Design.—The population statistics of PC cell counts were obtained from routine quality control records. A target value of 3.00 × 1011 cells was chosen. A theoretical model to predict the probability of achieving this target cell count was developed. Main Outcome Measures.—The calculated probability was tested in a Monte Carlo simulation. Results.—The mean of a sequential series of 100 PC counts (obtained from routine quality control records) was 9.08 × 1010, and the standard deviation was 2.70 × 1010. Platelet loss during pooling was measured at 8.3%, so that the pooling of 3.27 × 1011 cells is required to deliver a dose of 3.00 × 1011 cells. The pooling of 4 PCs from this data set predicts an average pool cell count of 3.63 ± 2.30 × 1011. Using standard tables for nor...