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Thromb Haemost 1982; 47(03): 239-243
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1657177
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Determination of the Density Distribution of Human Platelets - Methodological Aspects and Comparison with Other Tests for Platelet Activation

B A van Oost
The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
,
I H van Hien-Hagg
The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
,
B F E Veldhuyzen
The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
,
A P M Timmermans
The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
,
J J Sixma
The University Hospital Utrecht, Department of Haematology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 16 October 1981

Accepted 06 April 1982

Publication Date:
13 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

Stimulation of human platelets to release results in decreased buoyant density. This decreased density provides a tool to detect circulating platelets which have participated in a thrombotic process. Platelet density gradient centrifugation using Stractan was standardized and the effects of anticoagulation, temperature, and osmolarity were investigated. In 7 out of 32 patients with thrombotic disease less dense platelets were found. Platelet activation in the patient group was also indicated by spontaneous aggregation (10/32), decreased circulating platelet aggregate ratios (5/24) and elevated plasma β-thromboglobulin levels (2/11). Several of these tests were also abnormal in diabetes mellitus thrombocytosis, leukaemia and several systemic diseases with thrombotic complications. The platelet density test using Stractan is reproducible and independent of other tests for platelet activation and is therefore potentially a useful extension of platelet function testing in patients with thrombotic disease.

Key words

Platelet density - Plasma ²-thromboglobulin - Wu and Hoak ratio - Spontaneous aggregation - Thrombosis screening
 

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