Preparation of platelet suspensions from whole blood in buffer. Description of a method which gives a large platelet yield.

A simple method for preparation of platelet suspensions from whole blood in buffer is described. The platelets and a fraction of the erythrocytes are processed simultaneously, whereby the erythrocytes serve as a supporting cushion in the centrifugation steps. Using this earlier described principle of platelet separation, platelet yields of 90--100% from whole blood could be achieved. Investigations of platelet aggregation and platelet morphology indicate that this method of separation is gentle. By obviating the selection of certain platelet populations this may facilitate the interpretation of the results of in vitro and in vivo platelet-function studies.