Platelets play a central role in hemostasis. Consequently, they lie at the heart of many inherited and acquired bleeding disorders and thrombotic events. The diagnosis of these disorders and monitoring of antiplatelet therapy require a thorough understanding of tests that measure platelet quantity and function. This article outlines basic concepts of platelet physiology and describes the tests that are commonly used in the clinical assessment of platelet function.
aDepartment of Pathology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9073, USA
bTransfusion Medicine and Coagulation Laboratory, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9073, USA
Corresponding author. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9073.
ABSTRACT