Effect of different concentrations of citrate on the sensitivity of an "in vitro" spontaneous platelet aggregation test

Our data show that variations of the concentration of citrate in blood used for the "in vitro" spontaneous platelet aggregation tests, at the limits of those generally held to be without effect, have a definite influence on the results obtained. In addition, out findings suggest that a correct selection of one of the two variants of the test allows a flexibility of the sensitivity and, reciprocally, the specificity without interfering with the quality of the information which they are capable of providing. Thus, a differentiated application of Test A and Test B is possible according to different experimental or diagnostic necessities for the prevailing need of, respectively, a maximum sensitivity or of a maximum specificity.