Thromboelastographic Clot Characteristics of Autologous Equine Blood Products After Activation by Autologous Thrombin, Bovine Thrombin, or Calcium Chloride

Abstract

Objective: To compare clotting efficiency of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and concentrated platelet-poor plasma (cPPP) to citrated whole blood after activation by autologous thrombin, bovine thrombin, or calcium chloride (CaCl2). Study Design: Experimental study. Animals: Healthy adult horses (n=6). Methods: PRP and cPPP were prepared by commercial devices. Using thromboelastography, clotting variables were compared after activation of citrated autologous blood, PRP, and cPPP by autologous thrombin, bovine thrombin, or CaCl2, respectively. Results: PRP had the greatest clot strength and quickest clot rate, whereas cPPP had the weakest clot strength, slowest clot rate, and longest clot initiation time. Bovine thrombin resulted in the shortest clot initiation time, quickest clot rate, and was similar to CaCl2 for greatest clot strength. CaCl2 also resulted in the longest clot initiation time and time to reach maximum clot strength. Autologous thrombin resulted in the lowest clot strength. Conclusion: When combined with either bovine thrombin or CaCl2, PRP provided the best combinations for clinical use. Autologous thrombin was suboptimal, but could be an autologous alternative for clinical application. As prepared here, cPPP had inefficient clotting, but may be sufficient for plasma spray indications.