Biocompatibility of a new cell separator studied by flow cytometry: analyses of platelet antigens during apheresis and storage

BACKGROUND: Alterations of platelet antigens are known to occur during cytapheresis and storage. These changes have been shown to be dependent on the biomaterials, techniques, and devices used. In this study the influence of a new cell separator (AMICUS) and storage container (PL-2410) on platelet glycoproteins was analyzed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During plateletpheresis and storage, the levels of platelet glycoproteins and binding of fibrinogen were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: During apheresis, mean channel fluorescence intensity of GD41a did not change significantly (p = 0.06). A small increase was evident in CD42b mean channel fluorescence intensity, which rose from a baseline level of 178.6 +/- 68.3 to 231.5 +/- 97.9 at the end of the procedure (p<0.05); in CD62p-positive platelets, which increased from 2.0 +/- 0.9 percent to 9.9 +/- 3.9 percent (p<0.05); in CD63-positive platelets, which increased from 1.7 +/- 0.7 percent to 7.9 +/- 2.6 percent (p<0.05); and in the binding of fibrinogen, which increased from 1.9 +/- 0.8 percent positive platelets to 10.5 +/- 2.6 percent (p<0.05). During storage, the mean channel fluorescence intensity of CD41a and C-D42b, the percentage of CD62p- and GD63-positive platelets, and the binding of fibrinogen to platelets showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: These studies show that alterations in platelet antigens and platelet activation occur to a small degree during apheresis and storage. These findings demonstrate generally good biocompatibility of this new cell separator.