Reference intervals for platelet aggregation assessed by multiple electrode platelet aggregometry

Analyses of platelet aggregation in hirudin whole blood using Multiplate® was validated. Reference intervals for the most commonly used agonists were established, and the association between platelet aggregation, age, gender and haematological values was analysed.

We included 121 healthy individuals to establish reference intervals and six healthy individuals for evaluation of the day-to-day variation. Platelet aggregation was evaluated on hirudin whole blood employing Multiplate® induced by arachidonic acid, ADP, collagen and ristocetin (RISTOlow and RISTOhigh). Measurements of haematological values were performed employing Sysmex K-4500.

We found no association between platelet aggregation and age (p>0.57 for all agonists, except RISTOlow: p=0.05). Platelet aggregation was significantly higher in women compared to men for all agonists (p<0.0003), except RISTOlow (p=0.05). A reference interval is presented as 95% confidence interval suitable for any age and both sex. Day-to-day variation was <11% for all agonists except for RISTOlow. No association was found between platelet aggregation and haematocrit or red blood cell count after adjusting for age and gender except for RISTOhigh. A positive significant association was found between platelet count and platelet aggregation (p<0.04). Finally, a significant positive association was found between platelet aggregation and white blood cell count for all agonists (p<0.05) except RISTOlow and RISTOhigh (p>0.05).

Reference intervals for platelet aggregation in healthy individuals (age: 17 to 66 years) were established in hirudin whole blood measured by Multiplate® employing the most commonly used agonists.