Background: The Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System (PRT) for Plasma (CaridianBCT) is based on a riboflavin and UV light treatment process resulting in pathogen inactivation due to irreversible, photochemically induced damage of nucleic acids. This study evaluated the in vitro protein quality of plasma products treated with riboflavin and UV light following treatment and subsequent storage for up to 104 weeks at -30 degrees C.
Materials and methods: Apheresis and whole blood-derived plasma products were combined with riboflavin solution and exposed to ultraviolet light. Treated plasma was then flash frozen, within 8 h of collection, stored at -30 degrees C for up to 104 weeks and analysed at different stages of storage using standard coagulation assays. Results were compared with paired, untreated units stored for the same intervals.
Results: The average percent protein retention for all time-points in PRT-treated plasma samples after 36, 69, 87 and 104 weeks of storage at -30 degrees C in comparison with controls held under similar conditions were: Total Protein, 101%, Factor VIII, 79%, Fibrinogen, 78%, Factor II, 87%, Factor XII, 86%, Factor X, 84% and Factor IX, 81%. Anticoagulant and inhibitor proteins showed between 90% and 100% retention after 1 year (52 weeks) and 69 weeks of storage. No clinically relevant complement activation was observed in treated and stored samples.
Conclusion: Riboflavin and UV light-treated plasma demonstrates reductions in several plasma coagulation factors following treatment. This reduction in activity levels is noted immediately after treatment and remains relatively constant during 2 years of storage at -30 degrees C.