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Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Cell-Derived Microparticles in Blood Products from Thalassemic Blood Donors
Egarit Noulsri1, Surada Lerdwana2, Duangdao Palasuwan3
1Research Division, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Objective:
To determine the number of cell-derived microparticles (MPs) in blood products obtained from donors who have thalassemia.
Methods:
Packed red blood cells (PRBCs), plasma, and platelet concentrate (PC) were prepared according to routine procedures. We used flow cytometry to quantitate the concentration of MPs.
Results:
The results of a comparison of MP levels in unprocessed whole blood showed that the concentration of all MPs in the donors without thalassemia trait (n = 255) was higher than in donors with thalassemia trait (n = 70). After processing, increased concentrations of MPs were documented in both groups. Among the blood components, PRBC showed higher platelet-derived MP concentrations in donors with thalassemia than in donors without thalassemia. However, PC showed higher concentrations of total MPs in donors without thalassemia than in donors with that condition.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest little influence of thalassemia-trait status on changes in MP concentrations in blood components.
Insights
Thalassemia trait status has minimal impact on microparticle (MP) levels in blood products. While unprocessed blood showed differences, processed components like packed red blood cells and platelet concentrate had varied MP concentrations, suggesting little overall influence.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cell-derived microparticles (MPs) are biomarkers of cellular activation and damage.
- Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder affecting hemoglobin production.
- Understanding MP levels in blood products from thalassemia donors is crucial for transfusion safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cell-derived microparticles (MPs) in blood products from donors with and without thalassemia trait.
- To assess the influence of thalassemia trait on MP concentrations in packed red blood cells (PRBCs), plasma, and platelet concentrate (PC).
Main Methods:
- Blood products (PRBCs, plasma, PC) were prepared using standard procedures.
- Flow cytometry was employed to accurately measure MP concentrations.
- MP levels were compared between donors with and without thalassemia trait.
Main Results:
- Unprocessed whole blood from donors without thalassemia trait had higher overall MP concentrations.
- After processing, MP concentrations increased in both groups.
- PRBCs from thalassemia donors showed higher platelet-derived MP concentrations.
- PCs from donors without thalassemia trait exhibited higher total MP concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Thalassemia trait status appears to have a limited effect on MP concentration changes in blood components.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the role of thalassemia in MP dynamics within blood products.
