Comparison of equine platelet function and survival in whole blood collected in acid-citrate-dextrose solution or citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine solution.

This research paper compares the effectiveness of two different anticoagulants, citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA) and acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD), in preserving the viability of platelets in collected equine blood. The study suggests that CPDA may be a better choice than ACD as it maintains a higher, more neutral pH, providing an optimal environment for platelet function.

Research Methodology

• The study involved the collection of whole blood from 6 healthy adult Thoroughbred horses.
• The blood was collected into two different anticoagulants; CPDA and ACD.
• Various attributes of the collected blood samples were measured within 10 minutes of collection, and then again one hour later. These attributes included platelet count, pH, and concentrations of glucose, lactac, carbon dioxide, oxygen, bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, and chloride.
• Platelet aggregometry, a test to assess platelet function, was also carried out after the one-hour mark.

Research Findings

• The results of the aggregometry test were significantly higher in CPDA compared to ACD, suggesting better platelet functionality with CPDA.
• Measurements of blood glucose, pH, bicarbonate, sodium, and lactate were also significantly higher in CPDA compared to ACD.
• The lactate concentration was found to be higher after one hour in both anticoagulants. Although lactate was increased in the CPDA samples, it was not high enough to decrease pH and thereby impair platelet viability.
• In contrast, the concentrations of potassium, oxygen, and carbon dioxide were significantly higher in ACD compared to CPDA at the time of collection.

Conclusions

• The findings of the study suggest that CPDA is more effective than ACD in maintaining platelet viability following the collection of whole blood in horses.
• This may be due to the fact that CPDA maintains a more neutral pH and provides an increase in available glucose for metabolism, creating a more conducive environment for platelet survival.
• The higher lactate concentration observed in CPDA samples did not decrease the pH to a level that would cause morphological damage or loss of platelet viability.