In vitro assessment of platelet damage during rotator storage.

The measurement of beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) and platelet lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) as markers for alpha-granule release and platelet lysis, respectively, has been reported to correlate with the amount of damage incurred during the preparation and storage of platelet concentrates. We compared the concentrations of these markers in the supernatant plasma of platelets stored on platform, elliptical, and circular rotators. Significant BTG release occurred after 24 hours on all three rotators (P less than 0.01), but LDH discharge after 24 hours was significant (P less than 0.05) only with elliptical rotation. BTG and LDH levels were not significantly different at any time when platform and circular rotations were compared, but both markers were significantly (P less than .05) higher during elliptical rotation. The lower levels of BTG release and LDH discharge during platform and circular agitation implies that these rotators produce less in vitro platelet activation and damage than occurs with elliptical agitation.