THROMBOTIC STATUS ANALYZER - MEASUREMENT OF PLATELET-RICH THROMBUS FORMATION AND LYSIS IN NATIVE BLOOD

A physiologically relevant global in vitro lest is described which all ows the overall assessment of both thrombotic and thrombolytic activit ies of blood. In principle, native blood is drawn in pulses through a capillary tube where haemodynamic forces induce a platelet reaction cu lminating in vessel occlusion. Dislodgement/disintegration of the stab ilised thrombus under pressure is a reflection of thrombolysis. Eviden ce is presented for the platelet-rich nature of the occlusion and that disruption of the thrombus and re-established patency is the result o f thrombolysis, that is fibrinolysis with significant contribution fro m platelets. This test sensitively detects hypercoagulability (stasis) ; platelet hyperreactivity (coronary artery disease); anti-platelet ef fect (aspirin, prostacyclin) and the thrombolytic effect of, thrombin generation by, and resistance to streptokinase. Therefore, this overal l assessment of thrombotic status could be of great diagnostic and the rapeutic benefit in clinical practice.