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Rapid preparation of plasma for coagulation testing.
A A Pappas1, S K Palmer, D Meece
1Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock 72205.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|August 1, 1991
Summary
High-speed centrifugation (11,000g for 2 minutes) effectively produces platelet-poor plasma for coagulation testing, matching results of standard methods. This significantly reduces specimen preparation time in clinical labs.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Current guidelines recommend 1000g for 10 minutes for platelet-poor plasma preparation.
- Clinical labs exhibit variability in centrifugation protocols (500-2000g, 5-20 minutes).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate high-speed centrifugation (11,000g, 2 minutes) for routine coagulation testing.
- To compare its efficacy with standard centrifugation (1000g, 10 minutes) for platelet depletion and assay results.
Main Methods:
- Ninety blood samples were processed using both centrifugation methods.
- Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen levels were measured.
- Platelet counts assessed plasma supernatant efficacy for platelet removal.
Main Results:
- Excellent correlation was observed for all coagulation assays between the two methods.
- No significant difference in platelet counts was found between high-speed and standard centrifugation.
- High-speed centrifugation significantly reduced specimen preparation time.
Conclusions:
- High-speed centrifugation (11,000g, 2 minutes) is a viable alternative for preparing platelet-poor plasma.
- This method offers a significant time-saving advantage for routine coagulation testing without compromising assay accuracy or platelet depletion.
- Utilizes routine laboratory equipment and supplies.