Platelet Function Testing

QQ Responses: Platelet Function

Here are the results of our November, 2014 Quick Question: What platelet function test do you use for platelet function disorders and/or for aspirin and clopidogrel efficacy? a. Siemens PFA-100: 35%, 24 votes b, Accumetrics VerifyNow: 25%, 17 votes c. Light transmittance aggregometry: 18%, 12 votes d. None: 10%, 7 votes e. Whole blood impedance […]

Antiplatelet Therapy

Quick Question: Platelet Function Poll

From Scott Miller at St. Mary’s of Michigan: Just a note. We use both the PFA-100 and the Verify Now for platelet function testing. I am unable to get the poll to accept more than one response. Scott Thank you, Scott, we will add your response to the total when we publish the results. Geo

Platelet Function Testing

TEG and ROTEM: Reprise

We have two valuable posts on the December 3, 2013 topic of Thromboelastograph (TEG) versus the Rotational Thromboelastometer (ROTEM), asking about transporting platelet function testing specimens through the tube system. I just want to ensure you didn’t miss this useful information.

Platelet Function Testing

Whole Blood Platelet Aggregometry

From Rob Hillman: what is the purpose of diluting blood with saline when running impedance aggregometry? Thank you for your question, Rob. I checked with Kathy Jacobs, Director of Sales and Marketing at Chrono-Log Corporation, who replies that diluting the blood with saline brings the sample closer to the ideal hematocrit of 30. The tracing is much smoother than with […]

Platelet Function Testing

Platelet Clumping

From Kelly Townsend at Tricore Labs: We have a patient whose platelets clump in every anticoagulant we’ve tried. He has normal prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand disease panel results, but oozes after even minor procedures. The clinicians want to evaluate platelet function, but we are hesitant because of his platelet clumping. Any suggestions for […]

Platelet Function Testing

Platelet Function and Storage

A second great question from our Rutgers graduate hemostasis course participants, this one from Brandy Gunsolus, Healthplex Family Clinic in Shreveport, LA, andJene Shafer from Orange Regional Hospital, Middletown, NY. We are studying the new cell-based model of coagulation and they ask whether the storage lesion of platelet concentrates affects their ability to be activated in vivo upon administration. The cell-based model relies on collagen and […]

Platelet Function Testing

Tube System Effect on Platelets?

From Gnaesh Lyer, Florida Hospital: Have you done any correlation studies for Plavix and aspirin if the tubes are sent by tube system from floors rather than hand delivering the tubes? Does the results vary a lot or with in acceptable range? Thanks. Hello, Gnaesh Lyer, and thank you for your question. I know of no studies […]

Platelet Function Testing

Acquired Platelet Secretion Disorder

Here is a recent note from Lauren Smith Helfgott, applications specialist at Chrono-log Corporation: “Hello, George. A clinician and I were recently discussing platelet aspirin-like defect (secretion disorder). He came across slides 28 and 30 from the Fritsma Factor audio module Platelet Function Testing Part 2 and sent them over. The tracings are labeled ‘aspirin or aspirin-like (secretion) disorder,’ and […]

Platelet Function Testing

HIT Test

From Tereza Munhoz, PUCRS: Hi, George, What your experience with HIT test? We intend to use the IL test. What do you know about it? Thanks for your attention. Hello,Tereza, and thank you for your question. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HIT) is a life-threatening side effect of unfractionated heparin therapy. HIT is caused by antibodies to […]

Platelet Function Testing

Thrombocytopenia: Reprise

I am reconstructing previous Fritsma Factor posts subsequent to the crashes we experienced in November and December and came across an April 12, 2012 communication from an individual who has non-symptomatic thrombocytopenia with giant platelets. I suggested this could be one of the MYH9 mutations such as May-Hegglin anomaly. I post this link now, hoping to attract comments from some […]

Platelet Function Testing

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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

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