A simple and safe technique for sterile autologous platelet labelling using "Monovette" vials.

A simple technique of autologous platelet labelling is described, which allows labelling within 40 min, and has the advantage of low costs, as no laminar air flow is required. Blood (16 ml) was withdrawn into 4 ml ACD, 500 ng prostacyclin was added. After 10 min sedimentation the vials were centrifuged for 5 min at 150 g. The plateletrich plasma in the supernatant was centrifuged at 500 g for 10 min to obtain a platelet pellet. The platelet-poor plasma was preserved in a sterile syringe and the platelet pellet was resuspended in 1 ml tyrode buffer. The cell suspension was labelled at 37 degrees C for 5 min with 100 muCi 111In-oxine sulphate and reinjected after dilution with the plasma. Mean labelling efficiency was 90% +/- 3%, mean recovery 2 h after reinjection 76% +/- 3% (mean +/- SD).