The effect of red cells on platelet aggregation: a study with the electronic whole blood aggregometer

Platelet aggregation was studied in the same platelet rich plasma (PRP) by the simultaneous use of Born's optical method and Cardinal's electronic method. The maximum rate of impedance change (electronic method) correlated well with both the rate and the extent of aggregation as measured by the optical method. The rate of impedance change was therefore the parameter chosen for the study of the effect of red cells on platelet aggregation. Erythrocytes, both at 40 and 60% haematocrit (Hct.), greatly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and adrenalin, but only minimally affected platelet aggregation induced by collagen.