Clinical utility of closure times using the platelet function analyzer ‐100/200

The “platelet function analyzer” (PFA)−100 was first introduced to us in 1995. Since then, the instrument has appeared in over 50 reviews and almost 1000 publications. Recently, the PFA‐100 has been “upgraded” to the PFA‐200, which has transformed the user interface and electronic management, but retained the fundamental mechanics, and essentially provides the same results. The PFA‐100/200 has conceivable clinical utility to screen for von Willebrand Disease (VWD) and platelet disorders, and in monitoring desmopressin (DDAVP) therapy in both, and possibly anti‐platelet therapy. Its great strengths are its usage simplicity and sensitivity to conditions affecting primary hemostasis. However, as a “global” test, its limitation is that closure time (CT) test results are neither predictive of, nor specific for, any individual disorder. However, utilized properly, the PFA‐100/200 reflects a valuable addition to hemostasis laboratories involved in identification or therapeutic‐monitoring of disorders of primary hemostasis.
Source: American Journal of Hematology - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: TEST OF THE MONTH Source Type: research