Flow cytometric analysis in platelet crossmatching using a platelet suspension immunofluorescence test.
BACKGROUND
The sensitivity of flow cytometric measurement of platelet antibodies in a crossmatch technique was investigated.


METHODS
The corrected count increment after platelet transfusion was compared with the fluorescence ratio determined by flow cytometric measurement.


RESULTS
When crossmatching was performed before transfusion(s) in alloimmunized patients, a fluorescence ratio < or = 1.7 was associated with satisfactory responses (corrected count increment > or = 7.5), and the predictive values for negative and positive crossmatch results were 94 and 87 percent, respectively. Analysis of antigen preservation during platelet storage with antibodies to HLA alpha-chain, HLA-B27, HPA-1a, and HPA-3a showed that platelets can be stored, refrigerated, for up to 4 weeks without significant loss of HLA class I and HPA-1a. There was a slight but continuous loss of HPA-3a upon storage.


CONCLUSIONS
Flow cytometric measurement of fluorescence in the platelet suspension immunofluorescence test can be used for platelet crossmatching, with sensitivity and predictive values comparable to those of previously described techniques and with the advantage of automation.
Skogen
B
B
Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Tromsø, Norway.
Christiansen
D
D
Husebekk
A
A
D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / Q000379:methods*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology; D001793:Blood Preservation; D003080:Cold Temperature; D004355:Drug Stability; D000939:Epitopes / Q000097:blood; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005453:Fluorescence; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D039661:Integrin beta3; D010973:Platelet Adhesiveness; D010976:Platelet Count; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D013997:Time Factors
D016824:Antigens, Human Platelet; D000939:Epitopes; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; C061248:ITGB3 protein, human; D039661:Integrin beta3