Defibrination of Normal Human Blood for in vitro Cell Studies

Abstract

DURING in vitro studies of drug action on purified red cells and lymphocytes, it became necessary to defibrinate normal human blood in a reproducible manner with minimal trauma. Two methods are commonly used for defibrination. The first involves mixing blood with glass beads in an airtight container, a procedure which may cause cell damage. When extended for 60 min at room temperature it caused haemolysis. The second method involves swirling blood in a conical flask containing a glass rod covered at its lower end with glass spikes. The disadvantages are that loss of carbon dioxide from the blood gives elevated pH values and frothing occurs. Again haemolysis was observed when defibrination was prolonged for 60 min at room temperature.