title: Fixation of platelets for scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
abstract: A double fixation method of preparing platelet suspensions for both scanning and transmission electron microscopy is outlined. Prefixation in 0.1% glutaraldehyde allows for immediate preservation of morphologic characteristics induced by experimental procedures, but does not completely destroy platelet surface stickiness. Preservation of surface stickiness allows subsequent production of a platelet pellet for processing for transmission electron microscopy. This pelleting cannot be achieved when higher initial concentrations of glutaraldehyde are used for prefixation. Prefixation in 0.1% glutaraldehyde is also an appropriate initial step for preservation of platelets in suspension for scanning electron microscopy.
mesh_terms: D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005404:Fixatives; D005976:Glutaral; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
chemical_list: D005404:Fixatives; D005976:Glutaral