Whole blood platelet aggregation.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The validation of whole blood impedance platelet aggregation measurement in a specialist diagnostic laboratory. NRES Committee East midlands Nottingham 2 15/EM/0064 21/01/15.
IRAS ID
159125
Contact name
Jecko Thachil
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 29 days
Research summary
The research involves the comparison of the current methodology used to assess platelet aggregation (the process of platelets 'sticking together') with an alternative method. Platelet aggregation can be assessed for a number of reasons, such as anti-platelet therapy (i.e. aspirin or clopidagrel) or the investigation of bleeding disorders (ie when the process of blood clotting goes wrong). The current methodology used in our laboratory uses platelet rich plasma, which is obtained by gently spinning the sample to separate the plasma from the cells. Platelet aggregation is measured by the measuring change in the amount of light that can be passed through the sample as the platelets stick together (light transmission). Different substances (agonists) are added to the samples to encourage them to stick together. These mimic substances that are found in the normal blood clotting process so that the clotting problem can be specifically pinpointed. During the process of platelet aggregation, substances called nucleotides are released from the platelets. The release of this substance can affect the process of platelet aggregation downstream, and so it’s release can be measure during the process of assessing platelet aggregation.
The method to be assessed uses whole blood, therefore cutting out the processing step. The blood sample is put into tubes that have electrodes in. An electric field is applied to the samples, and a ‘wall’ of platelets forms between the two electrodes. The electric current alters as the platelets aggregate, and these changes are measured.
Comparisons between the methods will be made with patients whom have not been previously diagnosed with a platelet aggregation disorder, as well as those who are known to have abnormal platelet aggregation. A set of reference (normal) values will be established from normal volunteers/patients. The purpose of the research is mainly for service improvement in the laboratory.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0064
Date of REC Opinion
9 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion