Dataset Information

Measuring beta-galactose exposure on platelets: Standardization and healthy reference values.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Correct diagnosis of the cause of thrombocytopenia is crucial for the appropriate management of patients. Hyposialylation/desialylation (characterized by abnormally high β-galactose exposure) accelerates platelet clearance and can lead to thrombocytopenia. However, the reference range for β-galactose exposure in healthy individuals has not been defined previously.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to develop a standardized assay of platelet β-galactose exposure for implementation in a clinical laboratory.

Methods

β-Galactose exposure was measured in platelet-rich plasma by using flow cytometry and Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA). A population of 120 healthy adults was recruited to study variability.