Abstract:
In this study, we investigate the validity and laboratory utility of flow cytometry when
analyzing platelet activation by studying CD41, CD42b, CD62P and CD63. We
compare flow cytometry results from citrated whole blood and finger-prick samples
directly after collection and also after storing both a finger-prick and whole blood
sample for 24 hours. Citrated whole blood and finger-prick samples were taken from
three healthy individuals on two occasions, and a total of 60 000 cells were analyzed
for each of the 4 phycoerythrin-labelled monoclonal antibodies. Half of each sample
was analyzed immediately after sampling while the other half was kept in the fridge
at 6°C for 24 hours before analysis. No significant difference was found between the
sampling methods or the period of time before analysis. Results therefore suggest
that an appropriately prepared finger-prick sample can be used for platelet function
analysis, and samples can be stored for 24 hours in the fridge at 6°C before
analysis.
