Platelet aggregation in whole blood determined using the Ultra-Flo 100 Platelet Counter

The Ultra-Flo 100 Whole Blood Platelet Counter has proved a useful tool for measuring platelet aggregation in whole blood, the extent of aggregation being deduced from the number of single platelets that remain. The technique has allowed us to show that platelets aggregate spontaneously in citrated blood and in heparinized blood but not in whole blood collected into EDTA. The aggregation occurs during storage but its rate is enhanced by stirring and it occurs more readily when the whole blood has been exposed to plastic rather than glass. It occurs much more readily in whole blood from some individuals than from others and the process may involve adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The rate of aggregation in whole blood is enhanced by several aggregating agents including collagen, ADP and sodium arachidonate which are more usually studied in platelet-rich plasma.