Microparticle content of plasma for transfusion is influenced by the whole blood hold conditions: pre-analytical considerations for proteomic investigations.

Microparticles (MPs) are shed from normal blood cells and may contribute to the coagulation potential of plasma. Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is used to correct coagulopathies and blood loss in trauma or major surgery. The role of MPs in FFP clinical efficacy is unknown. Regulations that govern the preparation of FFP vary in different countries. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of whole blood (WB)-hold conditions before FFP preparation on the MP profile. WB units were held at room temperature (RT) or combination of RT and refrigeration for up to 24h before FFP preparation. The MP content in thawed FFP was measured to reflect transfusion practice. The absolute number of MPs in FFP increased with longer WB hold time. Refrigeration of WB may also promote increased generation of MPs. In particular the number of platelet-derived and phosphatidylserine-containing MPs, which are known to have procoagulant properties, increased. Lipid peroxidation increased with longer WB-hold time. Donor-related factors appear to govern lipid peroxidation levels. Holistic proteomic and coagulant analyses of FFP MPs are warranted. Such information could guide the choice of the optimal handling conditions of WB and the most relevant quality control procedures for FFP. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Integrated omics.