LAUSR

OBJECTIVE To determine the number of cell-derived microparticles (MPs) in blood products obtained from donors who have thalassemia. METHODS Packed red blood cells (PRBCs), plasma, and platelet concentrate (PC) were prepared according to routine procedures. We used flow cytometry to quantitate the concentration of MPs. RESULTS The results of a comparison of MP levels in unprocessed whole blood showed that the concentration of all MPs in the donors without thalassemia trait (n = 255) was higher than in donors with thalassemia trait (n = 70). After processing, increased concentrations of MPs were documented in both groups. Among the blood components, PRBC showed higher platelet-derived MP concentrations in donors with thalassemia than in donors without thalassemia. However, PC showed higher concentrations of total MPs in donors without thalassemia than in donors with that condition. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest little influence of thalassemia-trait status on changes in MP concentrations in blood components.