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. 2014 Feb 21;24(3):90–96.

Table 1.

Comparison between the most commonly used platelet function assays (modified from [27]).

Method Test Medium Detection Advantages Disadvantages
Laboratory based Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Reduction of optical density after stimulation in PRP

  • Instrument adjustment possible

  • Good predictivity

  • Long experience

  • Time-consuming

  • Complex sample preparation

  • No standardization
Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) assay Whole blood Flow cytometric detection of VASP phosphorylation

  • Whole blood assay

  • Longer sample storage

  • P2Y12 receptor specific

  • Very time-consuming

  • Complex sample preparation

  • Need of flow cytometer
Near patient Multiplate analyzer (multiple electrode aggregometry [MEA] Whole blood Coating of two electrode pairs by platelets

  • Whole blood assay

  • Simple and rapid

  • Standardized procedures

  • Semi-automated (requires pipetting)

  • Rapid processing of samples necessary
VerifyNow Platelet-mediated aggregation of fibrinogencoated polystyrene beads

  • No assay adjustment possible

  • Expensive cartridges
PFA-100 Closure of an aperture of a collagen-coated membrane

  • No assay adjustment possible

  • Dependent on hematocrit and von Willebrand factor

  • Limited experience and study results with P2Y12-inhibitors