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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Detection of fluorescently labeled microparticles in blood
M Brandl1, J Hartmann, T Posnicek
1Center for Biomedical Technology, Danube University Krems, AT-3500 Krems, Austria. martin.brandl@donau-uni.ac.at
Background:
A microsphere-based detoxification system is an adsorption system, whereby microadsorbent particles having diameters of 1-20 microm circulate in an extracorporeal filtrate circle. A thin-wall hollow-fiber membrane filter separates the microparticle-plasma suspension from the bloodstream. For patient safety, it is necessary to have a means to detect membrane ruptures that could lead to a release of microparticles into the patient's bloodstream.
Methods:
An optical detection system was developed to monitor the venous bloodstream for the presence of microparticles from the filtrate circuit. For detection purposes, cellulose microspheres, both ferromagnetic and fluorescence labeled, were included with the microsphere adsorbant particles. In the case of a membrane rupture, the labeled particles would also be released into the bloodstream. By illuminating a small volume of blood with an excitation wavelength (590 nm) of the fluorescence marker, the particles can be detected by their emission light at 620 nm. The detector sensitivity is increased by collecting the ferromagnetic and fluorescently labeled microparticles using a magnetic trap. The efficiency of magnetic trap arrangements was tested by adjusting the magnet placements.
Results:
In vitro experiments were performed by pumping whole blood and labeled microparticles through the fluorescence detector. The efficiency of a magnetic trap arrangement was determined. With an optimal trap setup, 5-10 microl of labeled microparticles can be clearly detected in streaming whole blood.
Conclusion:
An easy to handle microparticle detector was developed, ready for use in particle based blood detoxification systems. The microparticle detection system fulfills the medical and technical requirements to bring the MDS into clinical tests.
Insights
A new optical detector system safely monitors blood for microparticles during detoxification. This system enhances patient safety by detecting membrane ruptures in extracorporeal circuits.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Microsphere-based detoxification systems utilize microadsorbent particles in extracorporeal circuits.
- A critical safety concern is detecting membrane ruptures that could release microspheres into the bloodstream.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an optical detection system for microparticles in blood.
- To ensure patient safety in microsphere-based blood detoxification.
Main Methods:
- Developed an optical detection system using fluorescence-labeled ferromagnetic microspheres.
- Employed a magnetic trap to enhance the collection and detection sensitivity of labeled particles.
- Tested magnetic trap efficiency by adjusting magnet placement.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful in vitro detection of labeled microparticles in whole blood.
- Achieved clear detection of 5-10 microliters of labeled microparticles with an optimal magnetic trap setup.
Conclusions:
- An easy-to-handle microparticle detector for blood detoxification systems was successfully developed.
- The system meets medical and technical requirements for clinical testing and implementation.
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