[Thrombophoresis I. Influence of centrifuge speed on thrombocyte yield, distribution of thrombocytes among centrifuge zones, and thrombocyte spreading (author's transl)].

Thrombocyte yields up to 1,4 X 10(11) per litre of separated whole blood were obtained using centrifuge speed up to 2000 RPM. With increasing speed, higher platelet concentrations in the thrombocyte zone were accompanied by a progressive decline of thrombocyte counts in the plasma zone, whereas the thrombocyte contamination in the erythrocyte zone remained unchanged. Taking into account both high extraction efficiency and good preservation of platelet function as measured by Breddin's spreading test, optimal conditions for thrombophoresis with the Aminco Celltrifuge have been obtained at 1600 RPM. Since repeated separation of the donor's blood resulted in a rising number of platelets with impaired spreading capacity, the total blood flow should be limited to the blood volume of the donor.