Aggregometria

Aggregometria is a laboratory technique used to measure platelet aggregation. Platelets are small blood cells that play a crucial role in hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets adhere to the site of injury and aggregate, forming a plug that helps to seal the wound. In certain medical conditions, platelet aggregation can be excessive or insufficient, leading to serious health consequences such as thrombosis or bleeding disorders.

The aggregometria test involves taking a blood sample from a patient and then stimulating the platelets in vitro with various agonists. Common agonists include adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and thrombin. As the platelets aggregate, the degree of aggregation is measured by observing changes in the light transmittance through the sample. As aggregation increases, fewer platelets are available to scatter light, leading to increased light transmittance. The results are typically presented as a percentage of platelet aggregation over time, allowing for the assessment of platelet function.

Aggregometria is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying and characterizing platelet function disorders. It can help physicians diagnose conditions like von Willebrand disease, Bernard-Soulier syndrome, and Glanzmann thrombasthenia. Furthermore, it is used to monitor the effectiveness of antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, which are prescribed to prevent blood clots in patients with cardiovascular disease. By quantifying platelet responsiveness, aggregometria aids in optimizing treatment strategies and managing bleeding or thrombotic risks.