A simple quantitative estimate of the function of radiolabelled platelets

The function ex vivo of autologous platelets, labelled with 111In, was evaluated at various times following injection by comparing the retention on foreign surfaces of radioactivity with the retention of total platelets (represented almost entirely by unlabelled and therefore unmanipulated platelets) after the application of fresh un-anticoagulated whole blood to (a) filter paper and (b) glass bead columns. Relative retentions were similar for the two materials, with labelled platelet retention being about 80% that of native platelet retention. Prior to injection, when labelled platelets were returned to an excess of freshly drawn whole blood, retention of radioactivity was greater than that of native platelets with a ratio significantly greater than that seen with labelled platelets tested ex vivo. Filter paper retention provides a simple technique which may be useful for the evaluation of labelled platelet function as a function of platelet age and also, with further standardisation, as an inexpensive rapid test of unlabelled platelet function.