Analysis of a commercial dimethyl‐sulfoxide‐stabilized frozen canine platelet concentrate by turbidimetric aggregometry

Objectives – To assess platelet function of a commercial dimethyl‐sulfoxide (DMSO)‐stabilized frozen platelet concentrate (PC) using turbidimetric aggregometry. Design – In vitro analysis. Setting – Research laboratory in a school of veterinary medicine. Animals – Five units of frozen PC in 6% DMSO were studied. Fresh platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), with and without 6% DMSO, from 6 healthy dogs were used as controls. Interventions – Turbidimetric platelet aggregation was measured after initiation of platelet aggregation by addition of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, or thrombin at concentrations of 30 μM, 20 μg/mL, and 0.5 U/mL, respectively. Measures were performed at thaw and repeated 2 hours after thaw for the frozen PC. Measurements and Main Results – Compared with PRP, the frozen PC showed decreased aggregation in response to thrombin (amplitude of 84% versus 25%, P=0.01), and collagen (amplitude of 13% versus 3%, P=0.05) but not ADP (6.5% versus 18%, P=0.2). Compared with frozen PC at thaw, the frozen PC at 2 hours after thaw showed decreased aggregation in response to thrombin, collagen, and ADP (P<0.05). There was no difference in aggregation between PRP in 6% DMSO and frozen PC. Conclusions – These in vitro data suggest there is a decrease in platelet response to agonists associated with the freeze‐thaw process in the commercially available 6% DMSO canine frozen PC.