Instrument measured
platelet aggregation times
Today, testing platelet function is done
by passing platelet containing plasma from a patient through a
mesh-work membrane and measuring how long it takes for the membrane
to clog up.
- We can add various agents such
as ADP, Ristocetin and epinephrine, to measure the platelet
response.
- Prolonged times to clog the
membrane means the platelets are not functioning properly.
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Olden days bleeding time, ouch!
In former times, we actually made
shallow cuts in a person's arm and timed how long they bled.
-
We'd inflate a blood
pressure cuff to 40 mmHg to establish a fixed back pressure in
the venous system and then make two little cuts.
-
Using a blotter
paper we'd pick up the blood as it oozed.
-
Permanent scars were
left.
-
Sure glad we don't
do this anymore.
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