Laboratory investigation of platelet function

Advancement in the understanding of the mechanisms of platelet activation a nd the development of new techniques for studying platelet function have cr eated the challenge of a wide range of options for investigating patients w ith suspected platelet disorders and for studying the effects of anti-plate let drugs. Novel classes of anti-platelet drug, such as adenosine diphospha te (ADP) receptor and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, are being developed and introduced into routine clinical practice. This review prese nts an overview of current techniques for laboratory investigation of plate let function in the light of these recent advances.