Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Platelet function testing in pediatric patients
Anne-Mette Hvas1, Emmanuel J Favaloro2
1a Centre for Haemophilia and Thrombosis, Department of Clinical Biochemistry , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark.
Insights
Investigating platelet function in children, especially neonates, is difficult due to blood volume needs and test standardization issues. This review covers developmental hemostasis and new small-volume tests for pediatric platelet function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Background:
- Platelets are crucial for hemostasis, but their function in children, particularly neonates, is challenging to assess.
- Existing platelet function tests often require large blood volumes and lack standardization for pediatric use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review developmental hemostasis, focusing on age-related differences in platelet function (adhesion, activation, aggregation).
- To present current platelet function tests and highlight novel, low-volume assays suitable for pediatric use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of developmental hemostasis and platelet function tests.
- Focus on differences between preterm neonates, term neonates, children, and adults.
Main Results:
- Significant differences exist in platelet adhesion, activation, and aggregation across developmental stages.
- Novel assays requiring minimal blood volume show promise for pediatric platelet function testing.
Conclusions:
- Current platelet function tests are inadequate for neonates due to blood volume, standardization, and reference interval limitations.
- Further research and validation of low-volume tests are needed to improve neonatal and pediatric platelet function assessment.
Introduction:
Platelets play a key role in primary hemostasis and are also intricately linked to secondary hemostasis. Investigation of platelet function in children, especially in neonates, is seriously challenged by the volumes required to perform the majority of platelet function tests and due to the lack of standardization of these tests for use in children. Areas covered: The present review summarizes developmental hemostasis with a focus on the differences in platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation, between preterm neonates, full-term neonates, during childhood and in adults. Some of the most widely used platelet function tests are presented, including novel tests requiring only a small blood volume. Expert commentary: Currently available platelet function tests are limited as regards to investigation of neonates due to difficulties in obtaining adequate blood volume, poor standardization, lack of reference intervals for neonates and children, and an incomplete understanding of the functional phenotype of neonatal platelets, especially preterm neonatal platelets.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...