In vitro aggregation of normal platelets: a hypothetical first-approximation model for light extinction in...

Aggregometer tracings of light transmission through platelet-rich-plasma are routinely used for the clinical evaluation of platelet function. The analytical relation between the changing aggregometer curve tracings of the light extinction and the aggregation process remains unknown. A first-approximation equation for this relation is proposed, based upon a highly simplified view of the in vitro aggregation process for normal platelets. The model described is capable of generating curves which show strong resemblance to those predicted by light scattering theory as well as those observed experimentally, including biphasic structures.