Useful For

The platelet function assay is used to determine in vitro the process of platelet adhesion and aggregation following a vascular injury. Two phases of testing exist; phase I with collagen and epinephrine and phase II with collagen and ADP. If phase I times are normal, no other platelet function testing is indicated. If phase I is abnormal, a phase II cartridge is used and the analysis is repeated. If the phase II time is normal, the abnormal effect is due to aspirin or a related compound. If the phase II time is also abnormal, then the abnormal effect is possibly due to a true platelet dysfunction. Notes: Many medications are known to affect platelet function. Therefore, the medication history of the patient should be reviewed if the test is abnormal. A list of medications that may possibly affect platelet function are listed in the PFA-100 Customer Evaluation Package available in the lab.