Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
09:49

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions

Published on: January 31, 2018

Clearance of platelet microparticles in vivo

A Rank1, R Nieuwland, A Crispin

  • 1Medizinische Klinik III-Grosshadern, Klinikum der Ludwig Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany. andreas.rank@med.uni-muenchen.de

Platelets
|January 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study tracked platelet-derived microparticles (PMP) clearance in patients after platelet transfusion. PMP levels rapidly increased then decreased, with a half-life of approximately 5.3-5.8 hours.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Biomedical Science

Background:

  • Platelet-derived microparticles (PMP) are abundant in platelet concentrates.
  • Little is known about PMP clearance in humans due to experimental challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the kinetics and half-life of transfused PMP in severe thrombocytopenic patients.
  • To understand PMP clearance following platelet transfusion.

Main Methods:

  • Quantified PMP levels using flow cytometry before and after transfusion of apheresis platelet concentrates.
  • Utilized double-staining with annexin V and cell-specific antibodies (anti-CD61, anti-CD63, anti-CD62P).

Main Results:

  • Plasma levels of total microparticles, PMP (CD61+), activated PMP (CD63+), and P-selectin increased immediately post-transfusion.
  • Determined a half-life of 5.8 hours for annexin V-binding microparticles and 5.3 hours for CD61+ PMP.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first human data on the half-life of transfused PMP.
  • Transfused PMP exhibit a relatively short half-life in circulation.

More Related Videos

Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets05:49

Procoagulant Platelet Characterization by Measuring Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Microvesicle Release from Human Purified Platelets

Published on: November 29, 2024

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function06:47

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function

Published on: November 8, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Structure and Function of Platelets01:18

Structure 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...
Formation of the Platelet Plug01:22

Formation 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...