Platelets, also called as thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells required for blood coagulation. Clotting is the process of stopping bleeding after an injury. Platelet testing is classified into two types: platelet count tests and platelet function tests.
A platelet count test determines how many platelets are in your blood. Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count that is lower than normal. This disorder might cause you to bleed excessively after a cut or other type of bleeding injury. Thrombocytosis refers to a platelet count that is greater than usual. This might cause your blood to clot more than it should. Blood clots are hazardous because they can obstruct blood flow.
Platelet function tests assess the capacity of your platelets to form clots. Platelet function tests include the following:
Closure time
This test determines how long platelets in a blood sample take to seal a small hole in a tiny tube. It aids in the detection of several platelet diseases.
Viscoelastometry
This test assesses the strength of a blood clot as it develops. To stop bleeding, a blood clot must be strong.
Platelet aggregation
This is a collection of tests performed to determine how effectively platelets cluster together (aggregate).
Lumi Aggregometry
When specific compounds are given to a blood sample, the amount of light generated is measured. It can assist in determining whether or not the platelets are defective.
Flow cytometry
This is a laser-based test that looks for proteins on the surface of platelets. It can aid in the diagnosis of hereditary platelet abnormalities.
Bleeding time
This test determines how long the bleeding stops after tiny wounds. It was originally used to test for a wide range of platelet abnormalities. Other platelet function tests are now being utilized more often. The findings of the latest tests are more dependable.
Other names
Other names are platelet function tests, thrombocyte count, platelet function assay, platelet aggregation studies.