The effect of centrifugation speed and time on pre-analytical platelet activation

Abstract

AbstractBackground:The results of laboratory analyses are affected by pre-analytical variables, and in particular can platelets be activated by shear handling stress and secrete granular substances. We therefore evaluated the effect of centrifugation speed and time on pre-analytical platelet activation.Methods:Citrate- and EDTA-anticoagulated blood from healthy volunteers were centrifuged at 80–10,000Results:The median percentage of platelets expressing P-selectin in citrate- and EDTA-plasma centrifuged at 2000Conclusions:Proportional to centrifugation speed, platelets in plasma and platelet-rich plasma were activated with centrifugation speed, cell content and composition changed while platelet aggregation was unaltered.