Fibronectin in liquid and frozen stored blood components

To quantitate the concentration of fibronectin in blood components to determine if the fibronectin present in liquid and frozen stored blood products deteriorates in vitro, we measured the concentration of this opsonic protein at the beginning and at the end of storage. In addition, electroblotting studies were performed to ascertain if aggregation or degradation of fibronectin occurred during component preparation or storage. Results showed that fibronectin concentration was stable in whole blood, single donor plasma, platelet concentrates, fresh-frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate. By electroblotting, aggregated or degraded fibronectin was found in some components, especially cryoprecipitate. Most of the fibronectin, however, appeared to be unaffected by component preparation or storage.