# Human Platelets in Intravenous Fluids Probed by Raman Tweezers Spectroscopy

## TL;DR

This study uses Raman Tweezers to show that IV fluids can activate platelets, which could have health implications for patients.

## Contribution

First use of Raman Tweezers to investigate IV fluid effects on live platelets, revealing activation markers.

## Key findings

- IV fluids increase phospholipid and protein marker intensities in platelets, indicating activation.
- Morphological changes like filopodia and shape shifts confirm platelet activation by IV fluids.

## Abstract

Intravenous fluids (IVs) play crucial roles in postblood
transfusions.
It is frequently used for cell washing in some cases, before transfusions,
to prevent allergic reactions in patients with hypersensitivity to
plasma proteins and also to reduce risk in certain situations, such
as acute lung injury due to transfusion-related shock, patients with
impaired immune systems, and pediatric patients. Other than cell washing,
intravenous fluid therapy is an essential medical practice in hospitals.
Despite their widespread use, the effects of IV fluids on platelet
function have not been thoroughly explored. The present study investigates
the interaction of live platelets with various IV fluids, such as
normal saline, hypertonic saline, hypotonic saline, and plasmalyte-A
for the first time using a laboratory assembled Raman Tweezers system.
Platelet additive solution is considered as the control for the experiment.
The result shows that the platelets treated with intravenous (IV)
fluids had higher peak intensities in the phospholipid Raman marker
bands, corresponding to heightened surface expression of phospholipids
and proteins, which are indicative of platelet activation. The morphological
changes such as filopodia formations on platelets and shape change
from discoid to spherical form support the above said findings. While
platelet activation has great significance for hemostasis, needless
activation can cause harmful effects on people suffering from various
health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases.