Studies on liberation of beta-thromboglobulin from human platelets in vitro.

A platelet specific protein, beta-thromboglobulin, is liberated during the preparation of platelet poor plasma. Using combinations of different anticoagulant and anti-platelet compounds, this release can be significantly reduced. The best results were obtained when native blood was collected as soon as possible into a mixture of EDTA, prostaglandin E1 and theophylline and maintained and processed at a temperature between 0 and 4 degrees C. These technical innovations have permitted the use of a radioimmunoassay for beta-thromboglobulin on plasma samples in clinical practice.