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Updated: May 22, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Microparticle detection in platelet products by three different methods
Erwin F Strasser1, Sebastian Happ, Dominik R Weiss
1Department of Transfusion Medicine and Haemostaseology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
Background:
Standardization of platelet-derived microparticle (PMP) enumeration by flow cytometry (FCM) is limited due to its intrinsic characteristics. Because of high clinical relevance of microparticle (MP) detection, standardization of MP assays is required.
Study Design And Methods:
This prospective paired study analyzed 31 healthy blood donors (18 male, 13 female) and compared pre- and postdonation results of donors with results of plateletpheresis products by three different methods. PMP counts were analyzed by FCM using calibrated beads of defined diameter and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and CD41-phycoerythrin staining. MP activity was tested by prothrombinase assay (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) and a procoagulant phospholipid-dependent clotting time assay (STA-Procoag-PPL, Diagnostica Stago S.A.S.).
Results:
PMP concentration was more than threefold higher in single-platelet units (SPUs) and resulted in higher PMP yields in SPUs compared to double-platelet units (DPUs). The ELISA and the procoagulant clotting assay also revealed a significant higher MP activity in SPUs compared to DPUs. The results of the procoagulation clotting assay correlated inversely with PMP counts obtained by FCM (r = -0.685, p < 0.001) and with the MP activity measured by ELISA (r = -0.641, p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Three different methods for MP detection showed good correlations of results, albeit the basis for MP analysis was different. Even if FCM is considered the "gold standard" of MP detection there are still technical limitations concerning detection of small MP. The procoagulant STA-Procoag-PPL assay and the prothrombinase ELISA assay could be useful additional MP tests. Regarding the interpretation of quantitative results of MPs, preanalytical conditions must be optimized and standardized.
Insights
Standardizing platelet-derived microparticle (PMP) enumeration is crucial for clinical relevance. This study compared flow cytometry (FCM) with other assays, finding good correlations but highlighting FCM
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Biotechnology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Standardization of platelet-derived microparticle (PMP) enumeration using flow cytometry (FCM) faces challenges due to intrinsic characteristics.
- Accurate microparticle (MP) detection is clinically relevant, necessitating standardized assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare PMP enumeration and activity using FCM, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a clotting time assay.
- To evaluate the correlation between different MP detection methods and assess their suitability for clinical application.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study analyzed 31 healthy blood donors, comparing pre- and post-donation samples with plateletpheresis products.
- PMP counts were determined by FCM (annexin V/CD41 staining).
- MP activity was assessed using a prothrombinase ELISA and a procoagulant phospholipid-dependent clotting time assay (STA-Procoag-PPL).
Main Results:
- Single-platelet units (SPUs) showed over threefold higher PMP concentrations and yields compared to double-platelet units (DPUs).
- Both ELISA and the clotting assay indicated significantly higher MP activity in SPUs versus DPUs.
- The clotting assay results correlated inversely with FCM-derived PMP counts (r = -0.685) and ELISA-measured MP activity (r = -0.641).
Conclusions:
- Three distinct MP detection methods demonstrated good result correlations, despite differing analytical principles.
- While FCM is a gold standard, limitations exist in detecting smaller MPs.
- The STA-Procoag-PPL assay and prothrombinase ELISA offer valuable complementary MP detection methods.
- Optimizing and standardizing preanalytical conditions is essential for reliable quantitative MP result interpretation.
