Protocols for the Isolation of Platelets for Research and Contrast to Production of Platelet Concentrates for Transfusion

Abstract

Platelets are specialized cellular elements of blood and play a central role in maintaining normal hemostasis, wound healing, and host defense but also are implicated in pathologic processes of thrombosis, inflammation, and tumor progression and dissemination. Transfusion of platelet concentrates is an important treatment for thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) due to disease or significant blood loss, with the goal being to prevent bleeding or to arrest active bleeding. In blood circulation, platelets are in a resting state; however, when triggered by a stimulus, such as blood vessel injury, become activated (also termed procoagulant). Platelet activation is the basis of their biological ..