Platelet Function Testing in Clinical Research Trials

Abstract

Abstract As our understanding of the role of platelets in various disease settings has expanded ( Chapters 26–31 26 27 28 29 30 31 ) so has the use of platelet function tests in clinical research trials. A wide variety of platelet function tests are currently available (see Chapters 33–36 33 34 35 36 ) ranging from light transmission aggregation, to adhesion under shear, to flow cytometric determination of receptor activation and heterotypic cell aggregate formation. The use of platelet function tests in clinical research trials has specific requirements which present major challenges for many tests. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the key characteristics required for platelet function testing in clinical research trials, and thereby promote the generation of high-quality data which can be used to evaluate disease mechanisms, assess patient risk for thrombosis or bleeding, determine drug pharmacodynamics, and inform treatment decisions.