Release of beta-thromboglobulin during the preparation, in vitro storage and cryopreservation of platelet concentrates.

Beta-thromboglobulin is a platelet specific protein which is released from platelets during the platelet release reaction. The amount of beta-thromboglobulin released during various conditions of in vitro storage, including cryopreservation, was compared. The results suggest the measurement of beta-thromboglobulin is unlikely to be of use as a quality control assay for monitoring the in vitro viability of stored platelets.