Flow cytometric characterization of platelet membrane glycoproteins expression and procoagulant surface is a sensitive technique to identify platelet activation in platelet concentrates. Platelet activation could contribute to platelet storage lesion reducing platelet viability and its hemostatic function. Detection of activation in platelet concentrates may help to determine the mechanism by which platelets activate during preparation and storage. It may also suggest interventions to prevent and reduce the platelet storage lesion. A monoclonal antibody panel that evaluate glycoproteins IIb-IIIa and Ib-IX migration, platelet degranulation and platelet procoagulant surface would provide more information about platelet activation than activation-dependent monoclonal antibodies alone.
platelet concentrates; platelet activation; flow cytometry
