Flow Cytometry and Platelets

In summary, whole blood flow cytometry is a powerful laboratory technique for assessment of platelet activation and function. It is used to assess platelet activation, leukocyte-platelet aggregates, platelet aggregation, and measure dense granule release, among others. In addition to the rapid turn around time, this technique is not limited by low platelet counts. Clinical applications of whole blood flow cytometric assays of platelet function in various disease states may include identification of patients who would benefit from additional antiplatelet therapy and prediction of ischemic events. Flow cytometry can also be used for monitoring of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa antagonist therapy, diagnosis of inherited deficiencies of platelet surface glycoproteins, diagnosis of storage pool disease, diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and measurement of the rate of thrombopoiesis.