From Dan Hood:
What testing do you recommend for Plavix effect for patients preoperatively? We have neurosurgeons testing the morning of surgery and are looking for some options.
Hi, Dan, thank you for your question. Plavix is a thienopyridine that suppresses platelet activation by blocking membrane ADP receptors. The reference method is platelet aggregometry using ADP as the agonist. I recommend Chronolog’s impedance lumiaggregometry for its simplicity and sensitivity, but light transmittance aggregometry is also acceptable.
If your laboratory is not performing aggregometry already, you may want to use one of the point-of-care instruments. Currently available and FDA-cleared are the Accumetrics VerifyNow P2Y12 and the Helena PlateletWorks ADP Kit. DiaPharma distributes theMultiplate 5.0 Analyzer, which is currently under FDA review. The Multiplate is automated and can test for aspirin, Plavix, and the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors like abciximab simultaneously.
We use the Accumetrix Verify Now instruments. We received n
We use the Accumetrix Verify Now instruments. We received notification that a mandatory software update in August will result in the baseline and percent inhibition will be removed. I wonder how other Accumetrix users will handle this issue?
We use both aggregometry and the Accumetrics. Accumetrics is
We use both aggregometry and the Accumetrics. Accumetrics is quicker and more specific for Plavix even though there are draw backs in all platelet testing. We have issues with how samples are obtained since we are not drawing those samples!
We also use the TEG platelet mapping with a lot of success.
We also use the TEG platelet mapping with a lot of success. It is much faster than platelet aggregation and lets you know the % Inhibition to both ADP (used for Plavix) and AA (used for aspirin).
Donna
TEG offers a platelet mapping with ADP test and it’s really
TEG offers a platelet mapping with ADP test and it’s really catching on in my lab.