Extending the post-thaw viability of cryoprecipitate.

BACKGROUND: Cryoprecipitate has a short post-thaw expiry time of 6 h. The aim of this study was to assess the stability and function of cryoprecipitate components (FVIII, fibrinogen, vWF, and FXIII) and cryoprecipitate sterility up to 120 h post-thawing when stored at two temperatures (2-6°C and room temperature [20-24°C]). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty batches (110 individual units) of time-expired, thawed cryoprecipitate were collected. Units were sampled at the 6-h expiration mark and then stored at 2-6°C or room temperature (RT). They were resampled every 24 h for 120 h. One unit from each batch was sent for sterility testing at 120 h. Samples had FVIII (one stage and chromogenic), fibrinogen, FXIII, vWFag, and vWF:RCo assays performed in batches. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was also performed. RESULTS: FVIII levels declined significantly at 120 h post-thawing at both RT and 2-6°C, but still met international standards for FVIII content. Fibrinogen, vWF antigen, and FXIII levels reduced minimally over 120 h and always met international standard requirements when stored at either temperature. ROTEM analysis demonstrated that fibrinogen function was not compromised at 120 h post-thawing under both storage conditions. vWF:RCo levels declined significantly over 120 h at both storage temperatures. No bacterial contamination was detected in 20 units of cryoprecipitate following storage for 120 h post-thawing. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that extension of the storage time of thawed cryoprecipitate to 120 h, stored at either 2-6°C or RT, is feasible while still maintaining required FVIII, fibrinogen, and vWFag levels. Storage at 2-6°C has the advantage of reduced risk of potential bacterial contamination.

Myeloid somatic mutation panel testing in myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are characterised by somatic mutations in pathways that regulate cell proliferation, epigenetic modifications, RNA splicing or DNA repair. Assessment of the mutational profile assists diagnosis and classification, but also aids assessment of prognosis, and may guide the use of emerging targeted therapies. The most practical way to provide information on numerous genetic variants is by using massively parallel sequencing, commonly in the form of disease specific next generation sequencing (NGS) panels. This review summarises the diagnostic and prognostic value of somatic mutation testing in Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia, primary myelofibrosis, chronic neutrophilic leukaemia, systemic mastocytosis, and chronic eosinophilic leukaemia. NGS panel testing is increasing in routine practice and promises to improve the accuracy and efficiency of pathological diagnosis and prognosis.