Search

Platelets were harvested by a Hemonetics Model-30 discontinuous cell separator from 20 normal volunteers and were cryopreserved in the presence of 5% DMSO at a controlled rate of freezing of -1 degrees C/min and stored in liquid nitrogen for up to 3 months. A significant loss of platelets occurred at the platelet concentration step through adhesion of platelets to the bag walls. A small reduction in aggregation associated with this was also seen and may reflect some damage to the platelets during the pheresis procedure. A small, but significant loss of platelet aggregation was seen with all agents following cryopreservation. Mean percentage aggregation post-thaw for all the agents was 75.4% (range 74-78%) and platelet recovery was approximately 90%. No significant changes in aggregation or recovery were seen over the 3 months' storage period. The cryoprotectant DMSO was shown to have no deleterious effect on platelet function in vitro.