Characterization of allogeneic platelet gel from adult donor blood and umbilical cord blood activated with locally prepared cryoprecipitate and thrombin: A pilot exercise

BACKGROUND: Characterization of platelet gel (PG) from different blood sources and preparation methods remains incomplete. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study compared the weight, growth factor (GF) content, and gelation dynamics (via rotational thromboelastometry, ROTEM) of allogeneic PG prepared from adult blood (AB) and cord blood (CB) platelet concentrates (PC). ABPC were suspended in 100% plasma or 35% plasma/65% platelet additive solution (PAS), while CBPC were suspended in 100% plasma. PG was prepared in commercial BioNest D mini-bags using a method with calcium gluconate, locally made cryoprecipitate, and thrombin (CT), or a reference method with calcium gluconate and commercial batroxobin (BA). PG was analyzed at 30 min and 6 h. RESULTS: At 30 min, PG weights were higher with CT than BA across all conditions. With 5 mL ABPC in 100% plasma, weights were 7.20 ± 1.07 g (CT) versus 2.72 ± 0.19 g (BA); with 10 mL ABPC in PAS, 9.49 ± 2.86 g (CT) versus 3.87 ± 3.1 g (BA); and with 4.09 ± 0.45 mL CBPC, 5.62 ± 1.21 g (CT) versus 2.04 ± 0.78 g (BA). All PGs lost mass by 6 h, but CT consistently retained more weight. GF percent retention in the PG at 6 h was higher with CT. ROTEM results showed differences in clotting time and comparable values of maximum clot firmness between PG from AB and CB. DISCUSSION: The CT method is a promising alternative for producing allogeneic PG using affordable, locally sourced reagents.