Testing for platelet function has come a long way.
 

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.

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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