How platelet transfusions were invented

Commentary on the 1976 Transfusion paper by Aster, Becker, and Filip

“…ANTICOAGULATION and pH: Platelets were first prepared for transfusion using the strong divalent ion chelator EDTA (calcium dissociation constant K D,CaCitrateÀ1 = 0.02 nM). 2 While this approach avoided platelet aggregation, and the platelets remained effective against bleeding, the post-transfusion increments of these cells were poor. Zucker and Borrelli observed that the classic platelet discoid shape was maintained in citrateanticoagulated platelets but not in platelets prepared with EDTA.…”

“…ANTICOAGULATION and pH: Platelets were first prepared for transfusion using the strong divalent ion chelator EDTA (calcium dissociation constant K D,CaCitrate−1 = 0.02 nM) 2 . While this approach avoided platelet aggregation, and the platelets remained effective against bleeding, the post‐transfusion increments of these cells were poor.…”

The pursuit of platelet safety

“…It is humbling to be invited to join Harvey Klein, Michael Murphy, Richard Aster, and Jeffrey McCullough as a senior citizen in the transfusion medicine community to contribute to the Inflection Points series that is now a prominent feature of Transfusion . In considering the story to tell, I will provide a follow up to the excellent summary of the development of platelet transfusions provided by Richard Aster 1 describing platelet storage at room temperature (RT), filling in my experiences during my evolving career which have shown the risks and benefits of the RT approach.…”