BAPA, a synthetic dual inhibitor of Factor Xa and Thrombin, extends the storage-time to a maximum of 12 hours in ADP- and 24 hours in arachidonic acid-induced impedance aggregometry

Abstract

Impedance aggregometry is mainly limited by the time-dependent instability of platelets in whole blood samples, caused by the influence of ex-vivo anticoagulants. The synthesis of a new anticoagulant, Benzylsulfonyl-D-Arg-Pro-4-amidinobenzylamide (BAPA), has recently been introduced. Data from recent studies suggest stable results for up to 32 h. In view of this data we were interested in the results of ADP- and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced measurements after a prolonged storage time depending on the use of citrate or BAPA. Blood samples from 24 healthy individuals were anticoagulated with either citrate or BAPA. ADP- and AA-induced measurements were carried out between 2 h and up to 48 h after blood samples were taken. Results of ADP-induced measurements remained stable for 8 h in citrated and for a maximum of 12 h in BAPA-anticoagulated samples. AA-induced measurements yielded stable results up to 12 h in citrated and up to 24 h in BAPA anticoagulated blood. These data demonstrate that the storage time for whole blood impedance aggregometry can be prolonged when BAPA is used as an anticoagulant. However, in contrast to previous studies implicating considerably longer potential storage times we could not see a clear overall purpose in using BAPA. Further studies including blood samples of patients and the comparison of BAPA to other anticoagulants are necessary to define the potential role of BAPA anticoagulated samples.

Key Words::

• Platelet aggregation
• platelet function tests
• anticoagulants
• citrate
• BAPA

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.