Serum from outdated human platelet concentrates: an alternative supplement for tissue (fibroblast) culture media

Fetal calf serum (FCS) is used as a component of the media for cells grown in culture. However, the high cost of FCS has stimulated a search for a possible alternative. Approximately 10% of human platelet concentrates prepared for clinical transfusions are outdated. Sera prepared from platelet concentrates were compared with FCS and calf serum (CS) as a media supplement. A similar number of fibroblast (NSF-791) colonies grew in media supplemented with the three different sera. However, colonies grown in the presence of human platelet serum (HPS) were larger than those grown in media containing CS and FCS. Hence, serum prepared from outdated human platelet concentrates may be substituted for fetal calf serum as a cell culture nutrient, for fibroblasts.