Platelet Retention in Particle-filled Columns: Effects of Particle Type, Plasma Proteins, and Platelet Reactivity

Abstract

Platelet retention values for normal individuals and for patients with von Willebrand’s disease, thrombasthenia, congenital afibrinogenemia, factor XII deficiency, and factor XIII deficiency were compared using columns filled with untreated glass particles or with sand, quartz, or glass particles treated with organic solvents and acid. New data obtained in tests with treated glass, sand, and quartz particles are compared with data obtained in tests with untreated glass particles. The results generally confirm published observations. Lower than normal platelet retention values were found for patients with von Willebrand’s disease who had prolonged bleeding times and for a thrombasthenic patient. Patients with congenital deficiencies of factor XII or factor XIII had normal or slightly elevated platelet retention values. The patient with congenital afibrinogenemia had normal platelet retention values in tests with untreated glass beads or quartz-filled columns, but low values with treated glass or sand-filled columns. The effects of particle composition and geometry on platelet retention values and mechanisms responsible for retention of platelets in particle-filled columns are discussed.