BACKGROUND: Platelet microparticles (PMPs) have proved useful to identify patients with vascular risk. However, PMP counting, which is currently done by flow cytometry (FCM), needs to be standardized. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were (i) to standardize FCM settings for PMP counts on a routine instrument (Cytomics FC500) using size-calibrated fluorescent beads; (ii) to determine intra-instrument and inter-instrument reproducibility; and (iii) to establish PMP values in healthy subjects. METHODS: Using a blend of size-calibrated fluorescent beads (0.5 and 0.9 mum) in a fixed numerical ratio (Megamix), we gated PMPs in a restricted size window. To test intra-instrument and inter-instrument reproducibility, annexin V and CD41 coexpression were used to count PMPs in frozen aliquots of the same platelet-free plasma (PFP) over 4 months and in PFP from 10 healthy subjects on three independent flow cytometers. RESULTS: This calibrated-bead strategy allowed full long-term control of the FCM-based microparticle protocol and reproducible PMP counts over time [coefficient of variation (CV) < 10%]. Optimal settings were easily transferred from one instrument to another, using Megamix as a stable template. Similar PMP counts (CV < 12%) were obtained using the three instruments. With such a standardized FCM protocol, PMP values were established in healthy subjects (n = 60) with significantly higher levels in women than in men [median (1st quartile to 3rd quartile): 1775 microL(-1) (1014-3039 microL(-1)) vs. 656 microL(-1) (407-962 microL(-1))]. CONCLUSIONS: The present strategy provides a new option for PMP count standardization and thus opens the way for multicenter studies.
BACKGROUND: Platelet microparticles (PMPs) have proved useful to identify patients with vascular risk. However, PMP counting, which is currently done by flow cytometry (FCM), needs to be standardized. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were (i) to standardize FCM settings for PMP counts on a routine instrument (Cytomics FC500) using size-calibrated fluorescent beads; (ii) to determine intra-instrument and inter-instrument reproducibility; and (iii) to establish PMP values in healthy subjects. METHODS: Using a blend of size-calibrated fluorescent beads (0.5 and 0.9 mum) in a fixed numerical ratio (Megamix), we gated PMPs in a restricted size window. To test intra-instrument and inter-instrument reproducibility, annexin V and CD41 coexpression were used to count PMPs in frozen aliquots of the same platelet-free plasma (PFP) over 4 months and in PFP from 10 healthy subjects on three independent flow cytometers. RESULTS: This calibrated-bead strategy allowed full long-term control of the FCM-based microparticle protocol and reproducible PMP counts over time [coefficient of variation (CV) < 10%]. Optimal settings were easily transferred from one instrument to another, using Megamix as a stable template. Similar PMP counts (CV < 12%) were obtained using the three instruments. With such a standardized FCM protocol, PMP values were established in healthy subjects (n = 60) with significantly higher levels in women than in men [median (1st quartile to 3rd quartile): 1775 microL(-1) (1014-3039 microL(-1)) vs. 656 microL(-1) (407-962 microL(-1))]. CONCLUSIONS: The present strategy provides a new option for PMP count standardization and thus opens the way for multicenter studies.
Authors: Nena Matijevic; Yao-Wei W Wang; Vadim Kostousov; Charles E Wade; K Vinod Vijayan; John B Holcomb Journal: Thromb Res Date: 2011-03-21 Impact factor: 3.944
Authors: S Cointe; C Judicone; S Robert; M J Mooberry; P Poncelet; M Wauben; R Nieuwland; N S Key; F Dignat-George; R Lacroix Journal: J Thromb Haemost Date: 2016-11-26 Impact factor: 5.824