Cryopreservation of human platelets. General protocols, development of freezing techniques and clinical applications.

A review is presented of the recent advances in cryopreservation of human platelets with particular reference to the technical protocol reported and its development, using either DMSO, glycerol or HES as additives. The methods for assaying viability of frozen-thawed platelets are described and the results are reported according to the cryoprotector used. The clinical applications of frozen platelets are discussed with reference to the clinical experience with DMSO and glycerol. An organization scheme for a frozen platelet bank is proposed.