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Platelet function testing in hirudin and BAPA anticoagulated blood
Helen Mani1, Mirna Hellis, Edelgard Lindhoff-Last
1Division of Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. Helen.Mani@kgu.de
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
|December 24, 2010
Summary
Hirudin and BAPA anticoagulants improve platelet function test stability compared to sodium citrate, especially for prolonged storage. This enhances the reliability of platelet reactivity measurements.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sodium citrate, a common anticoagulant, creates a non-physiological environment for platelet function testing.
- Citrated blood requires platelet function tests within 4 hours of collection.
- Hirudin and benzylsulfonyl-D-Arg-Pro-4-amidinobenzylamide (BAPA) offer alternatives for improved platelet reactivity and extended storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stability of platelet function tests using hirudin and BAPA anticoagulants.
- To compare the performance of hirudin and BAPA with sodium citrate for platelet function assays.
- To evaluate the impact of prolonged storage on platelet function measurements with different anticoagulants.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples from 30 healthy individuals and 20 patients on antiplatelet therapy were stored for 2, 12, 24, or 48 hours.
- Platelet function was assessed using light transmission aggregometry and impedance aggregometry with adenosine 5-diphosphate (ADP) and arachidonic acid.
- The vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation assay was also performed.
Main Results:
- Hirudin or BAPA maintained stable platelet aggregation with arachidonic acid for up to 24 hours, unlike citrated blood which showed reduced response after 12 hours.
- ADP-induced aggregation was stable for 12 hours with hirudin or BAPA, whereas citrated blood showed significantly reduced response.
- Impedance aggregometry showed reduced stability with hirudin or BAPA over 12 hours, but the VASP assay remained stable for 48 hours regardless of anticoagulant.
Conclusions:
- Hirudin and BAPA anticoagulants significantly improve the stability of platelet function measurements.
- These anticoagulants allow for reliable platelet function testing after prolonged blood storage.
- The findings suggest hirudin and BAPA are superior to sodium citrate for preserving platelet reactivity in vitro.
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