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HERO ID
6358951
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Description of an in vitro platelet function analyzer--PFA-100
Author(s)
Kundu, SK; Heilmann, EJ; Sio, R; Garcia, C; Davidson, RM; Ostgaard, RA
Year
1995
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis
ISSN:
0094-6176
EISSN:
1098-9064
Volume
21 Suppl 2
Page Numbers
106-112
Language
English
PMID
7660150
DOI
10.1055/s-0032-1313612
Abstract
A new in vitro system for the detection of platelet dysfunction, PFA-100, has been developed. It provides a quantitative measure of platelet function in anticoagulated whole blood. The system comprises a microprocessor-controlled instrument and a disposable test cartridge containing a biologically active membrane. The instrument aspirates a blood sample under constant vacuum from the sample reservoir through a capillary and a microscopic aperture cut into the membrane. The membrane is coated with collagen and epinephrine or adenosine 5'-diphosphate. The presence of these biochemical stimuli, and the high shear rates generated under the standardized flow conditions, result in platelet attachment, activation, and aggregation, slowly building a stable platelet plug at the aperture. The time required to obtain full occlusion of the aperture is reported as the "closure time." We have found that impairment of von Willebrand factor, or inhibition of platelet receptors glycoprotein Ib or IIb/IIIa with monoclonal antibodies or peptides, resulted in abnormal closure times. An antifibrinogen antibody, in contrast, failed to show any effect. The test appears to be sensitive to platelet adherence and aggregation abnormalities. The PFA-100 system has potential applications in routine evaluation of platelet function in the clinical setting because of its accuracy, ease of operation, and rapid turnaround of results.
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