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 cyta pheresis 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 g lycoproteins was analyzed. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During plateletpheresis and storage, the levels o f 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 1 78.6 +/- 68.3 to 231.5 +/- 97.9 at the end of the procedure (p<0.05); in CD 62p-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 fib rinogen, 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 i ntensity of CD41a and C-D42b, the percentage of CD62p- and GD63-positive pl atelets, and the binding of fibrinogen to platelets showed no significant c hange. CONCLUSION: These studies show that alterations in platelet antigens and pl atelet activation occur to a small degree during apheresis and storage. The se findings demonstrate generally good biocompatibility of this new cell se parator.