title: Microfluidic Flow Chambers Using Reconstituted Blood to Model Hemostasis and Platelet Transfusion In Vitro.
abstract: Blood platelets prepared for transfusion gradually lose hemostatic function during storage. Platelet function can be investigated using a variety of (indirect) in vitro experiments, but none of these is as comprehensive as microfluidic flow chambers. In this protocol, the reconstitution of thrombocytopenic fresh blood with stored blood bank platelets is used to simulate platelet transfusion. Next, the reconstituted sample is perfused in microfluidic flow chambers which mimic hemostasis on exposed subendothelial matrix proteins. Effects of blood donation, transport, component separation, storage and pathogen inactivation can be measured in paired experimental designs. This allows reliable comparison of the impact every manipulation in blood component preparation has on hemostasis. Our results demonstrate the impact of temperature cycling, shear rates, platelet concentration and storage duration on platelet function. In conclusion, this protocol analyzes the function of blood bank platelets and this ultimately aids in optimization of the processing chain including phlebotomy, transport, component preparation, storage and transfusion.
authors.affiliation: Transfusion Research Center, Belgium Red Cross-Flanders.
authors.forename: Britt
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Van Aelst
authors.affiliation: Transfusion Research Center, Belgium Red Cross-Flanders; hendrik.feys@rodekruis.be.
authors.forename: Hendrik B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Feys
authors.affiliation: Transfusion Research Center, Belgium Red Cross-Flanders.
authors.forename: Rosalie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Devloo
authors.affiliation: Blood Service, Belgium Red Cross-Flanders; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Catholic University of Leuven; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vandekerckhove
authors.affiliation: Transfusion Research Center, Belgium Red Cross-Flanders; Blood Service, Belgium Red Cross-Flanders; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent.
authors.forename: Veerle
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Compernolle
mesh_terms: D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology; D058731:Blood Safety / Q000379:methods*; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods*; D017713:Platelet Transfusion / Q000379:methods*