What is the shelf life of platelet concentrates?

• A. 7 days at 20C-24C
• B. 5 days at 20C-24C with constant agitation
• C. 14 days at 1-6C
• D. 10 days at room temperature

Answer: (B)

Platelet concentrates must be kept at 20–24°C with continuous agitation to maintain platelet viability and function. After about five days at this temperature, the risk of bacterial contamination rises and the platelets lose function, so five days is the standard shelf life for routine, room-temperature storage with agitation. Storing at 1–6°C changes the storage approach and is used for different purposes; it does not extend shelf life to 14 days for standard concentrates. Likewise, seven days at room temperature or ten days at room temperature exceed safety and viability guidelines. Therefore, the accepted practice is five days at 20–24°C with constant agitation.