Semin Thromb Hemost 2004; 30(5): 501-511
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-835671
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Application of Flow Cytometry to Platelet Disorders

Matthew D. Linden1 , 2 , Andrew L. Frelinger2  III , Marc R. Barnard2 , Karin Przyklenk3 , Mark I. Furman2 , Alan D. Michelson2
  • 1Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
  • 2Center for Platelet Function Studies, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
  • 3Departments of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 October 2004 (online)

Preview

Flow cytometry is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to yield definitive information regarding the phenotypic status of platelets. The method provides a quantitative assessment of the physical and antigenic properties of platelets (e.g., surface expression of receptors, bound ligands, components of granules, or interactions of platelets with other platelets, other blood cells, or components of the plasma coagulation system), thereby facilitating the diagnosis of inherited or acquired platelet disorders (e.g., Bernard-Soulier syndrome, Glanzmann thrombasthenia, storage pool disease), the pathological activation of platelets (e.g., in the setting of acute coronary syndromes, cerebrovascular ischemia, peripheral vascular disease, cardiopulmonary bypass), and changes in the ability of platelets to activate via specific stimuli (e.g., efficacy of antiplatelet therapies). Accordingly, this review summarizes the key technical and methodologic components of flow cytometric analysis of platelets, as well as specific examples of its application to diagnosis and patient care.

REFERENCES

Matthew D LindenPh.D. 

Room S5-853, Center for Platelet Function Studies, University of Massachusetts Medical School

55 Lake Avenue North

Worcester, MA 01655

Email: matthew.linden@umassmed.edu