A new Pitt‑led study, published in JAMA, finds that platelets stored at cold temperatures remain effective for up to 21 days, a change that could greatly expand the U.S. blood supply. Current room‑temperature platelets expire within a week, leading to high waste and frequent shortages.
The CHIPS trial, led by Dr. Phillip Spinella and his team, tested chilled platelets in 1,000 adult and pediatric cardiac‑surgery patients and found they performed just as well as standard platelets. Researchers say extending storage time could triple or quadruple national availability, reduce costly waste, and help rural hospitals maintain reliable inventory.
Federal regulators are reviewing the findings, which could lead to updated national storage guidelines.
Among the individuals who helped this study succeed include Michelle Markowitz, Contracts Manager, and Nina Mendt, Pre & Post Award Financial Research Administrator, of the Department of Surgery.
Read More about the CHIPS trial on the UPMC site and The Trib.