Comparison of different procedures to prepare platelet-rich plasma for studies of platelet aggregation by light transmission aggregometry

Light transmission aggregometry (LTA), the gold standard for the study of patients with defects of platelet function, is a poorly standardized technique. The guidelines that have been produced so far are largely based on consensus of experts, due to the absence of studies directly comparing different procedures. Therefore, ad hoc studies are needed to gather scientific evidence on how to choose the most appropriate procedures for LTA measurement. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the most appropriate conditions for preparing samples of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for studies of platelet aggregation by LTA. Citrate-anticoagulated blood from 32 individuals was centrifuged at 150, 200, 250 or 300xg at room temperature for 10 min. Red blood cells contamination was highest in PRP prepared at 150xg; mean platelet volume (MPV) was lowest in PRP prepared at 300xg. The extent of platelet aggregation measured by LTA was lower and more variable in PRP prepared at 300xg. Therefore, centrifugation of blood at 200xg or 250xg for 10 min appears to be the best condition for preparing PRP for LTA studies.