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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
The platelet and platelet function testing in liver disease
Greg G C Hugenholtz1, Robert J Porte2, Ton Lisman1
1Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, CMC V, Y2144, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Patients who have liver disease commonly present with alterations in platelet number and function. Recent data have questioned the contribution of these changes to bleeding complications in these patients. Modern tests of platelet function revealed compensatory mechanisms for the decreased platelet number and function, the most prominent compensatory mechanism being substantially elevated levels of the adhesive protein von Willebrand's factor. Consequently, standard diagnostic tests of platelet functions seem to be of little use to predict bleeding complication in patients who have liver disease. This article outlines the role of platelet abnormalities and possibilities for platelet function testing in patients who have liver disease.
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