Platelet function assessed rapidly

Less than 1ml of blood and less than five minutes are needed to enable the detection of inherited, acquired and induced platelet disorders

The revolutionary PFA-100 analyser from Sysmex UK rapidly assesses platelet function and enables the reliable detection of inherited, acquired and induced platelet disorders.

Easy to use with results available in less than five minutes, the PFA-100 has been designed to provide information quickly and accurately using an extremely simple test principle.

No sample preparation or operator training is required, and the system can conveniently analyse less than 1ml of citrated whole blood for up to four hours post-venipuncture.

Simulating in vivo conditions and based on a simple flow system, the collagen-epinephrine (CEPI) cartridge is for primary screening, and the collagen-ADP (CADP) cartridge differentiates dysfunction due to aspirin.

Clinicians require sensitive and specific tests that are easy and quick to perform which can distinguish aspirin effects from other coagulation abnormalities.

The PFA-100 provides a snapshot of primary haemostasis, which helps to improve risk assessment and patient management.

Such a highly sensitive test of platelet function may aid transfusion decision-making, and the small sample volume requirement is particularly suitable for paediatric work.

In response to the clinical and economic pressures to reduce platelet transfusion, it is increasingly important to predict which patients may benefit from platelet transfusion post-surgery.

Studies show that 80% of post-surgery high blood loss patients have abnormal PFA results - when PFA tests are used to direct platelet transfusions, a 50% reduction in platelet may result.

Just three simple steps complete the test operation: pipetting of blood; insertion of cassette; and pressing Run.

Sample blood is forced through an aperture in an agonist-impregnated membrane and when clot formation occludes the aperture and prevents further blood flow, the occlusion or closure time is recorded.

The results provide an indication of platelet function based on a laboratory established cut-off value derived from healthy donors.

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