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What is Platelet Aggregation?

Cathy Crenshaw Doheny
Cathy Crenshaw Doheny

Platelet aggregation is the clustering together of thrombocytes, which are the small, cell-like structures made in the bone marrow that help prevent bleeding. This clumping can occur in response to many different agents, including the nucleotide adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and the proteins thrombin and collagen. Platelet aggregation is a crucial step in the process of clot formation, which stops bleeding.

A platelet aggregation test can be performed to determine how well platelets are sticking together. The test measures this by using a platelet antagonist to initiate clumping in the patient's blood sample. The most common platelet antagonists are ADP, thrombin, and ristocetin. After the antagonist is added to the blood sample, a special machine called an aggregometer measures the turbidity, or cloudiness, in the sample. The aggregometer records how quickly the platelets clump together by measuring the increased light and clarity in the fluid.

A platelet aggregation test can be performed on a patient's blood sample.
A platelet aggregation test can be performed on a patient's blood sample.

A physician may order the test if the results of a patient's complete blood count (CBC) indicates thrombocytopenia, which is a lower than normal level of platelets. The test may also be ordered if the patient has a family member that has been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder involving platelet dysfunction, or if he or she exhibits signs or symptoms of a bleeding disorder. These may include frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums and easy bruising. Testing can help determine if these symptoms are due to a genetic problem, a different blood disorder, or if they are a side effect of a medication.

Platelet aggregation is a crucial step in the process of clot formation, which stops bleeding.
Platelet aggregation is a crucial step in the process of clot formation, which stops bleeding.

A decrease in platelet aggregation may suggest either a congenital disorder that has been present since birth, or an acquired one. Examples of congenital disorders that can result in decreased aggregation include Von Willebrand's disease, which is a lack of Von Willebrand factor or ristocetin co-factor in the blood, and Bernard-Soulier syndrome, a rare disease in which platelets cannot respond to Von Willebrand factor. Storage pool disease, a group of disorders that are characterized by defects in the materials that trigger aggregation, may also be detected using a platelet aggregation test.

Storage pool disease is a complication of open heart surgery related to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
Storage pool disease is a complication of open heart surgery related to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Acquired conditions that may cause abnormal test results include autoimmune disorders that create antibodies against platelets, such as AIDS. Myeloproliferative diseases that cause the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, may also cause problems with the ability of platelets of aggregate. Storage pool disease can be an acquired cause of platelet aggregation in certain situations, especially in response to cardiopulmonary bypass — a procedure that temporarily takes control of heart and lung function during surgery — or vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels.

Discussion Comments

pharmchick78

@StreamFinder -- You're right, a platelet aggregation assay, a platelet function assay, and a platelet aggregation study are all the same thing.

They are all intended to determine how well the platelets are functioning, and are all performed in generally the same way.

Although there are different methods for performing the tests, in the end, they all do the same thing.

StreamFinder

Is a platelet aggregation assay the same thing as a platelet function analysis?

My sister is going in to get a platelet function analysis on Monday, and we're trying to find out as much information as we can beforehand.

Thanks!

rallenwriter

In some cases, doctors can use platelet activating factors as the platelet antagonist.

Platelet activating factors (PAFs) occur naturally in the body, but some kinds can be synthetically manufactured for use in platelet aggregation studies.

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    • A platelet aggregation test can be performed on a patient's blood sample.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A platelet aggregation test can be performed on a patient's blood sample.
    • Platelet aggregation is a crucial step in the process of clot formation, which stops bleeding.
      By: p6m5
      Platelet aggregation is a crucial step in the process of clot formation, which stops bleeding.
    • Storage pool disease is a complication of open heart surgery related to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
      By: sudok1
      Storage pool disease is a complication of open heart surgery related to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.
    • Thrombocytopenia is most commonly diagnosed through a complete blood count.
      By: spflaum
      Thrombocytopenia is most commonly diagnosed through a complete blood count.
    • Problems with platelet aggregation may necessitate a blood transfusion.
      By: Max Tactic
      Problems with platelet aggregation may necessitate a blood transfusion.
    • Frequent nosebleeds may be a sign of a bleeding disorder.
      By: britta60
      Frequent nosebleeds may be a sign of a bleeding disorder.
    • Fibrin combines with platelets and blood cells to create a clot.
      By: designua
      Fibrin combines with platelets and blood cells to create a clot.
    • A decrease in platelet aggregation could indicate a congenital disorder that has been present since birth.
      By: freepeoplea
      A decrease in platelet aggregation could indicate a congenital disorder that has been present since birth.
    • Thrombocytes are specialized blood cells that aid in blood clotting.
      By: designua
      Thrombocytes are specialized blood cells that aid in blood clotting.