Comparison of platelet suspension solutions for preserving platelet aggregatory function

Abstract Background Despite wide agreement on various aspects of platelet protocols, such as blood collection, anticoagulants, platelet isolation, and aggregometry, the optimal composition of platelet suspension solutions remains unestablished. Therefore, this study aims to compare five different suspension solutions to determine the most effective one for maintaining platelet function. Methods Washed platelets (WP) were prepared using five suspension solutions: two modified versions of Tyrode’s buffer (Ty-rode A and Tyrode B), Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS), Hank’s minimum essential medium (HMEM), and Leibovitz’s L-15 medium (L-15). The solutions were evaluated by monitoring the decline in platelet aggregatory responses over time to assess their ability to preserve platelet function. Results Although all preparations showed a decline in thrombin- and collagen-induced aggregations over time, significant differences were observed among the solutions. The ability to preserve platelet function followed this order: Tyrode B > HBSS > Tyrode A ≈ HMEM > L-15. The pH remained stable for up to 8 h in WP prepared with Tyrode A, Tyrode B, and HBSS, while HMEM and L-15 exhibited a slight but significant decrease over time. Phosphatidylserine exposure increased across all WP, with the lowest increase observed in HMEM. Conclusions Tyrode B was the most effective for preserving platelet function. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing platelet suspension solutions, with potential for further improvements.