Platelet Function Testing

Platelet-Cancer Cell Uptake

Here is an open-access original research report that illustrates cancer cells’ ability to uptake and mimic platelets, leading to access to the platelet proteome, implying that platelets may support metastases: /sites/default/files/plt-ca_cell_uptake_castanheira_jth_2021.pdf

Platelet Function Testing

VITT Mechanism Nature Preview

Here is a research article that was rushed to print in the July 7, 2021 Nature that describes the precise pathophysiology of vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia [VITT]. VITT is the critical 1/60,000 incidence adverse event associated with the adenoviral vector employed in the Astra-Zeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines, among others. VITT resembles heparin-induced thrombocytopenia […]

Platelet Function Testing

More on Platelet Function Testing

From Dave McGlasson: George, Aquino in a recent article in CAP Today titled, “Puzzling out platelet function disorders,” posted July 6 on Fritsma Factor, extolled the virtues of light transmittance aggregometry [LTA] on platelet rich plasma [PRP] as the reference [“gold standard”] method to assess platelet aggregation disorders. This may have been true years ago […]

Platelet Function Testing

Platelet Function Testing

There is a comprehensive summary in the June, 2021 CAP Today by Amy Carpenter Aquino entitled, “Puzzling Out Platelet Function Disorders,” [click] featuring Catherine PM Hayward, MD, PhD, of McMaster University, champion of the time-honored light transmittance aggregometry [LTA} approach to platelet testing.

Bleeding Disorders

Scott Syndrome

I [Geo] provide a quarterly series of hemostasis lectures for UAB’s pathology residents and fellows. Last week, our transfusion medicine fellow, Richard Godby, MD, asked if I’d heard of “Scott syndrome.” This was new to me and also to two of my colleagues. Dr. Godby provided me with this Wikipedia link [click] that describes the […]

Platelet Function Testing

QQ Results: 5 YO Girl with Systemic Bleeding

Our January, 2020 Quick Question was based on our December 26, 2019 case, 5 YO Girl with Systemic Bleeding. This case generated discussion from experts around the world, whose comments are provided below. But first, here is the question and responses. Question: What diagnosis fits no aggregation reponse to ADP, collagen, and AA? The question […]

Bleeding Disorders

Platelets and Diet

Colleague and friend Mary Coleman, University of North Dakota referred a student in her Hematology class. The student told Prof. Coleman of a patient whose platelet count was chronically low. The student learned that a nurse told the patient there are foods that increase their platelets, such as pumpkin, kiwi, and pomegranate and wonders if […]

Platelet Function Testing

Thrombotic Microangiopathic Anemias 10-16-19

George presented “Von Willebrand Factor, both Friend and Foe“, a talk focused on the role of von Willebrand factor in the thrombotic microangiopathies at the Northeast Laboratory Conference, Portland, Maine, on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. Click the title for the presentation handout.

Platelet Function Testing

Platelet Signaling Disorder

A patient experiences chronic moderate bleeding from a surgical site and venipuncture sites over 48 months. The bleeds consistently require intervention. There is no epistaxis and minor bruising. The only diagnostic laboratory result is impaired aggregation epinephrine and ADP agonists, and absence of arachidonic acid-induced aggregation. All other hemostasis and hematology results report within their […]

Bleeding Disorders

Coag Quandaries

George has attached Anne Paxton’s article, Navigating the Quandaries of Coagulation Testing, (click or tap) featuring Drs. Michael Laposata, Dot Adcock, and Kristi Smock. The article features the need for laboratory-clinician communication.

Anticoagulant Therapy

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George Fritsma is a medical laboratory scientist, educator, and author. George holds faculty appointments with Rutgers University and Michigan State University, and is a member of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, American Association of Clinical Chemists, and American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.

Cheat Sheets from George

Quick Question