Comparison of in vitro closure time (PFA-100) with whole blood electrical aggregometry and platelet surface antigen expression in healthy volunteers

It was the aim of this study to compare in vitro closure time (PFA-100), reflecting platelet-related primary hemostasis, to more platelet-specific tests like whole blood electrical aggregometry and platelet surface antigen expression in healthy volunteers. In vitro closure time was measured using a PFA-100. Platelet surface antigen expression (CD63, CD62-P, CD42b, CD36, CD31) was determined in accordance with the consensus protocol for flow-cytometric characterisation of platelet function. Platelet aggregometry was performed using a whole blood electrical aggregometer (ADP and arachidonic acid as agonists). Analysis of the obtained data revealed only a few significant correlations between the different platelet function tests used. This finding can be explained by the various aspects of platelet function being focused by these tests in different extents. Whenever platelet function is analysed, the investigator should be aware of the specific and limited evidence of the method used. For screening purposes, it may be useful to introduce a platelet function index, referring to basal platelet activity, platelet adhesion and platelet aggregation at low and high shear stress forces.