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A Microfluidic Flow Chamber Model for Platelet Transfusion and Hemostasis Measures Platelet Deposition and Fibrin Formation in Real-time
Published on: February 14, 2017
Methods for testing platelet function for transfusion medicine
1Department for Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria. simon.panzer@meduniwien.ac.at
Vox Sanguinis
|June 15, 2011
Summary
Monitoring platelet function in platelet concentrates (PC) currently relies on indirect measures. This review evaluates various methods for assessing platelet function in donors, PCs, and post-transfusion.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Hematology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Current methods for monitoring platelet function in platelet concentrates (PC) are indirect.
- Advancements in PC production technology necessitate updated functional assessment methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of commercialized methods for determining platelet function.
- To evaluate these methods for screening donors, assessing PC hemostatic properties, and post-transfusion monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Review of no/low shear methods: light-transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry, multiple electrode aggregometry, thrombelastography, dynamic light scattering.
- Review of high shear methods: Platelet Function Analyzer-100, cone and plate analyzer.
- Focus on methods reported in the last 10 years.
Main Results:
- No/low shear methods assess specific platelet functions.
- High shear methods provide a general analysis of platelet hemostatic competence.
- No strong correlation found between in vitro data and clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Different methods offer distinct insights into platelet function.
- Clinical relevance of current in vitro platelet function tests remains uncertain.
- Further research is needed to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical efficacy.
