Unusual Icteric Discoloration of Single Donor Platelets in Platelet Additive Solution With Container Staining: A Rare Observation

This report describes an unusual case of an apheresis platelet (AP) unit in platelet additive solution (PAS) exhibiting marked icteric discoloration and bag staining, despite sterile cultures and initially preserved platelet morphology. Donor evaluation revealed mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, implicating donor-derived pigments as the source of discoloration. By Day 5, reduced platelet function was observed. This case underscores that icteric appearance in PAS-suspended platelets, though rare, may signal donor-related pigment transfer and warrants reevaluation of current visual inspection and acceptance for blood components.