To use an optical aggregometer, a sample of blood is placed in a cuvette, or small test tube, and mixed with an agonist, such as ADP or collagen, which stimulates platelet aggregation. The cuvette is placed in the aggregometer, and the changes in light transmission are measured over time as platelets aggregate. The resulting aggregation curve can be used to determine the rate and extent of platelet aggregation, which is an indicator of the function of platelets.
The Platelet Aggregation Devices er uses electrical impedance to measure changes in the resistance of blood as platelets aggregate. In this type of device, a sample of blood is mixed with an agonist and placed in a cell between two electrodes. As platelets aggregate, they form a barrier that reduces the electrical impedance of the blood, allowing current to flow more easily. The resulting impedance curve can be used to determine the rate and extent of platelet aggregation.
