Filtration of platelet-poor plasma specimens yields platelet-free plasma. Application for batch analysis of beta-thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4.
The authors investigated filtration of platelet-poor plasma through a 0.2-micron filter for the analysis of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) in frozen specimens. Platelets were detected by electron micrograph in the platelet-poor plasma preparation without filtration. No platelets or platelet fragments were seen after filtration. Freezing the unfiltered specimens resulted in a significant increase in the beta-TG and PF4 concentrations, presumably because of release of these proteins from the platelet alpha-granules during freezing and thawing. There was no change in the PF4 levels and only a slight decrease in beta-TG levels after freezing of the filtered specimens. The filtered samples could be frozen for later batch analysis, resulting in considerable cost savings to the laboratory.
Schiebout-Clark
R C
RC
Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-3135.
Haven
M C
MC
Haire
W D
WD
Wilson
R B
RB
Markin
R S
RS
D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001793:Blood Preservation; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis*; D015925:Cryopreservation; D006440:Hemofiltration; D006801:Humans; D008851:Micropore Filters; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010949:Plasma / Q000166:cytology*; D010983:Plateletpheresis; D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
D001620:beta-Thromboglobulin; D002118:Calcium