Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
07:06
Preparation of Washed Human Platelets for Quantitative Metabolic Flux Studies
Published on: January 10, 2025
Function and activation state of platelets in vitro depend on apheresis modality
S Macher1, S Sipurzynski-Budrass, K Rosskopf
1Clinic for Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Vox Sanguinis
|June 16, 2010
Summary
Platelets (PLTs) collected using the Amicus(®) system showed higher activation and reduced function compared to the Trima Accel(®) system during storage. Further trials will assess clinical outcomes in patients receiving these apheresis-derived platelets.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
- Apheresis Technology
Background:
- Multicomponent apheresis allows simultaneous collection of various blood products.
- Platelets (PLTs) are critical for hemostasis and are collected via apheresis.
- Evaluating PLT quality post-collection is essential for transfusion efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the function, metabolic parameters, and activation state of platelets collected using two different apheresis cell separators.
- To assess the impact of storage on these parameters for each device.
Main Methods:
- Prospective crossover study involving 24 donors using Fenwal Amicus(®) and CaridianBCT Trima Accel(®) systems.
- Collected double dose PLT concentrate (PC) and packed red blood cells.
- Analyzed 48 single unit PCs for metabolic parameters (pH, glucose, lactate, etc.) and PLT function (aggregometry, flow cytometry for CD62P, CD63) over 7 days of storage.
Main Results:
- Metabolic parameters were maintained during storage in both groups.
- Amicus(®)-collected PCs had significantly lower glucose and pH, and higher lactate and LDH.
- Amicus(®)-derived PLTs exhibited higher activation (CD62P, CD63) and reduced in vitro function compared to Trima Accel(®)-derived PLTs.
Conclusions:
- Standardized PLT collection via multicomponent apheresis is effective.
- The Amicus(®) system's centrifugation may lead to higher PLT activation.
- Clinical outcomes in thrombocytopenic patients receiving Amicus(®)-derived PLTs require further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets, with...
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...