Platelet aggregation studies in whole human blood

Since the development of the photometric aggregometer, platelet aggregation studies are routinely performed on platelet-rich plasma (PRP). We have studied platelet aggregation in fresh citrated whole human blood using the recently developed Ultra Flo 100 Whole Blood Platelet Counter. Aggregation of platelets in whole blood was induced with adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP; 0.25-10 microM), collagen (0.25-1.0 microgram/ml) and thrombin (0.05-0.2U/ml). Platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin was maximum within 1 min, and that of collagen within 3 mins. Aggregation responses to low concentration of ADP and thrombin were rapidly reversible, whereas responses to collagen and high concentrations of ADP and thrombin were virtually irreversible. The aggregation of platelets was indicated by a fall in platelet count; confirmed by scanning electron micrographs which revealed the presence of large aggregates of platelets, and was prevented when blood was treated with EDTA as anticoagulant. The present technique appears to be rapid, sensitive and reliable; and allows direct measurement of platelet aggregation and disaggregation in whole blood in vitro and ex-vivo.