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Platelet function analyzer (PFA)-100 closure time in the evaluation of platelet disorders and platelet function
C P M Hayward1, P Harrison, M Cattaneo
1McMaster University and the Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program, Hamilton, ON, Canada. haywrdc@mcmaster.ca
Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis : JTH
|January 20, 2006
Summary
The PFA-100 closure time (CT) test is not sensitive or specific enough for screening platelet disorders. Its use in monitoring platelet function is currently limited to research and clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
- Platelet Physiology
Background:
- The PFA-100 device measures closure time (CT), offering a potential alternative or supplement to the bleeding time test in clinical laboratories.
- This technology is increasingly available for assessing platelet function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the use of PFA-100 CT in clinical laboratory settings for evaluating platelet function.
- To provide recommendations on the PFA-100 CT's application from the ISTH-SSC Platelet Physiology Subcommittee.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of the Medline database was conducted.
- Published information on PFA-100 CT in platelet disorder and function evaluation was reviewed.
- Expert opinion was integrated with literature findings to formulate recommendations.
Main Results:
- The PFA-100 CT shows abnormalities in certain platelet disorders but lacks sufficient sensitivity and specificity for screening.
- The test's utility in therapeutic monitoring of platelet function requires further investigation and has not yet been established.
Conclusions:
- The PFA-100 closure time is an optional tool for evaluating platelet disorders and function.
- Current use of PFA-100 CT for therapeutic monitoring should be confined to research studies and prospective clinical trials.