Simple, rapid, and automated method for detection of hyperaggregability of platelets using a hematology analyzer

Estimation of hyperaggregability of platelets is important for diagnosis and prevention of vascular events. We have developed and evaluated a simple and rapid method for detection of a hyperaggregable state of platelets by using an Abbott CELL-DYN(R) 4000 hematology analyzer. Citrated blood samples were collected from 62 patients with chronic cerebral infarction (CCI), of whom 19 patients were treated with ticlopidine, and from 9 healthy subjects. Platelet clumps were detected in the scatter plots for white blood cell populations with the hematology analyzer. Platelet clumps were positive in 20 of 43 (46.5%) CCI patients who were not treated with anti-platelet agents but not at all in 9 healthy subjects and in 19 CCI patients treated with ticlopidine. The detection of platelet clumps in citrated blood by the hematology analyzer was proved useful in detecting a platelet hyperaggregability in CCI patients. This method is simple, rapid, and automated and thus should be suitable for routine clinical use for monitoring indications and the efficacy of anti-platelet drugs.