Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
Alternative Methods for the Detection of Superoxide Anion Generation in Platelets
Published on: March 29, 2024
The assessment of aspirin resistance by using light transmission and multiple electrode aggregometry
J Ulehlova1, L Slavik, V Krcova
1Department of Hemato-Oncology, University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic. jana.maliskova@email.cz
Introduction:
The issues related to aspirin [acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)] resistance are still under debate. Depending on the method of assessment and studied patients, the prevalence of ASA resistance is rather heterogeneous, ranging from 5% to 45%. The method most commonly used for assessing platelet function is their aggregation. ASA irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) by acetylation.
Methods:
This study aimed to compare light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA) for the measurement of ASA resistance, using arachidonic acid as an inducer of the reaction.
Results:
The study comprised 101 patients with stable ischemic heart disease taking a daily dose of 100 mg of ASA. The rates of ASA resistance were 22.22% and 21.21% as detected by LTA and MEA, respectively. The two methods were statistically compared using Spearman's nonparametric correlation analysis, with a positive significant correlation (P=0.01) and medium positive dependence between the methods (r=0.0539).
Conclusion:
If ASA resistance is detected by laboratory tests, replacement of ASA or its combination with other antiplatelet drugs as well as increased dosage may be considered.
