A procedure using low-cost reagents to prepare allogeneic platelet gel from standard platelet units.

Background and objectives: Highly effective procedures for the preparation of allogeneic platelet gel (PG) use Ca-gluconate and batroxobin, an expensive commercial reagent. In this preliminary study, we explored the use of the plasmin-inhibitor, low-cost drug tranexamic acid (TXA) in place of batroxobin, based on the literature supporting TXA ability to prevent fibrinolysis and stabilize the gel formed by fibrin polymerization prompted by Ca-gluconate.

Materials and methods: Eight blood centres determined PG weight and volume of non-gelled, liquid portion in 116 PG prepared in 20-mL commercial BioNest D bags. Ten-millilitre platelet aliquots from platelets in 100% plasma or in 35% plasma/65% platelet additive solution (PAS) were aseptically transferred into the D bag, followed by the injection of 3.3 mL of 10% Ca-gluconate and 0.4 mL of TXA. After 30-min incubation, PG weight and non-gelled liquid volume were determined.

Results: PG weight and liquid volume at 30 min were 6.5 ± 3.4 g and 7.4 ± 3.5 mL with platelets in 100% plasma, and 3.7 ± 3.0 g and 10.2 ± 3.3 mL with PAS platelets, respectively.

Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the use of TXA as a low-cost reagent for PG manufacturing from platelets in 100% plasma.