A Method for Separating and Concentrating Platelets from Normal Human Blood

Abstract

A method is described for the preparation of platelet concentrates from pint volumes of normal human blood collected in standard ACD bottles. Erythrocytes are removed by sedimentation with high molecular weight dextran, and platelets are concentrated by centrifugation in the presence of a surface-active agent, which permits their resuspension in a small volume of physiological fluid following prolonged centrifugation. The procedure results in the recovery of about 80 per cent of the total platelet complement of the blood. The platelets obtained are discrete and morphologically intact, and induce normal prothrombin consumption and clot retraction when added to platelet-poor plasma or thrombocytopenic blood. Transfusions of platelet concentrates given to thrombocytopenic patients have been followed by hemostatic effects lasting from 1 to 5 days.