Miniaturized In Vitro Transfusion Model.

We have created a miniaturized in vitro model of transfusion using neonatal (cord blood) and adult blood to investigate the immune and hemostatic changes that occur when a neonate receives a transfusion of functionally different adult platelets. These techniques allow us to model neonatal thrombocytopenia using neonatal cells (from cord blood) and create platelet concentrates of either neonatal or adult origin to mechanistically interrogate how the developmental state of the transfused platelets influences the hemostatic and/or immune responses of neonates to transfusion. These methods utilize common in vitro techniques that have been tailored for the unique characteristics of cord blood. Using this model, investigators can simulate platelet transfusions into a thrombocytopenic patient and investigate the effects of platelet transfusions in a human system.