In vitro assessment of platelet concentrates with multiple electrode aggregometry

ABSTRACT

Storage impairs platelet function. It was hypothesized that multiple electrode aggregometry in vitro could be used to follow aggregability in platelet concentrates over time and that the results predict the efficacy of platelet transfusion in an ex vivo transfusion model. In vitro platelet aggregability was assessed in apheresis and pooled buffy coat platelet concentrates (BCs) (n = 13 each) using multiple electrode aggregometry with different agonists 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after preparation. In the ex vivo transfusion model, whole blood samples from nine healthy volunteers were collected every second day. The samples were supplemented with stored platelets (+146 × 10⁹ × l⁻¹) from the same unit 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after preparation. Platelet aggregability was assessed in the concentrate and in the whole blood samples before and after platelet supplementation. There was a continuous reduction in in vitro platelet aggregability over time in both apheresis and pooled BCs. The same pattern was observed after ex vivo addition of apheresis and pooled BCs to whole blood samples. The best correlation between in vitro aggregability and changes in aggregation after addition was achieved with collagen as agonist (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). In conclusion, multiple electrode aggregometry can be used to follow aggregability in platelet concentrates in vitro, and the results predict with moderate accuracy changes in aggregation after addition of platelet concentrate to whole blood samples.

• Aggregometry
• apheresis
• buffy coat
• platelets

Acknowledgements

The skillful assistance of research assistants Linda Thimour-Bergström, Christine Roman-Emanuel and Erika Backlund is gratefully acknowledged.

Authorship contributions

C.S.H., C.H. and A.J. designed the study. C.H. and A.G. prepared all platelet concentrates. C.S.H. and C.H. performed all measurements, F.B. performed all statistical analyses. The data were analyzed by C.S.H., C.H., H.W. and A.J. C.S.H. and C.H. wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All the authors contributed with intellectual and scientific input to the final manuscript.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The study was supported by the Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation (grant number 20090488 to A.J.) and Sahlgrenska University Hospital (ALF/LUA grant number 146281 to A.J.). The study sponsors had no influence on the analysis and interpretation of data, in the writing of the report, or in the decision to submit the paper for publication.