The Effects of Storage Time at 2–8 Degrees Celsius on the Stability of von Willebrand Factor in Thawed, Platelet-Poor Plasma

Yupa  Nakkinkun; Tussnem Binhama; Yaowaluk  U-pratya; Tarinee  Rungjirajittranon; Theera Ruchutrakool

doi:10.33192/smj.v75i8.263320

Authors

Yupa Nakkinkun Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Tussnem Binhama Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Yaowaluk U-pratya Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Tarinee Rungjirajittranon Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Theera Ruchutrakool Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v75i8.263320

Keywords:

Stability, Thawed plasma, VWF:Ag, VWF:CB, VWF:GPIbM

Abstract

thawed samples with plasma stored at 2–8 °C for 24–96 hours.

Materials and Methods: Plasma from healthy subjects with normal coagulation times and VWF panels was stored at -20 °C for one week. After thawing (at 0 hours), VWF:antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF:glycoprotein Ib binding assay (VWF:GPIbM), and VWF:collagen binding assay (VWF:CB) were assayed. The remaining plasma was stored at 2–8 °C and assayed at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Differences between levels at baseline and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours were deemed significant when P was < 0.05.

Results: Thirty-five samples were enrolled, with 25 from healthy subjects (VWF:Ag levels > 0.50 kIU/L). Median levels (interquartile range) were as follows: VWF:Ag = 0.91 (0.72–1.06) kIU/L; VWF:GPIbM = 0.85 (0.69–1.04) kIU/L; and VWF:CB = 0.78 (0.62–0.97) kIU/L. VWF:Ag remained stable for 72 hours, while VWF:GPIbM decreased significantly after thawing. VWF:CB declined after 48 hours at 2–8 °C. Similar stability trends were observed in 10 additional samples from VWD patients (VWF:Ag = 0.42 (0.36–0.46) kIU/L).

Conclusion: VWF:Ag and VWF:CB are stable in thawed plasma for 72 hours. VWF:GPIbM is less stable and should not be kept longer than 24 hours. Immediate testing of VWF:GPIbM after thawing is recommended.

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