PFA - Bleeding Time, Platelet Function Assay
The Platelet Function Screen does not necessarily predict bleeding at surgery. An abnormal test result may not be associated with excessive bleeding. Conversely, a normal test result may exist in the setting of interaoperative or post surgical bleeding.
Patients with low hematocrits (<35%) or low platelet counts (<150,000) may show falsely abnormal platelet function with this test method. Patients with hematocrits <35% or platelet counts less than 150,000 may exhibit prolonged results. Platelet inhibiting drugs, such as aspirin, and anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists directly affect platelet function. Certain dietary fatty acids and lipids are known to inhibit platelet function. Hemolysis and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) may interfere with results.
Specimen Collection Requirements
Whole Blood, (2) light blue 3 mL (3.2% Buffered Sodium Citrate) top tubes OR (3) light blue 2 mL (3.2% Buffered Sodium Citrate) top tubes; must use 21G or larger needle
DO NOT CENTRIFUGE SPECIMEN. Specimens MUST be walked down to the lab; do not use tube system for transport.
Whole Blood, (2) light blue 3 mL (3.2% Buffered Sodium Citrate) top tubes OR (3) light blue 2 mL (3.2% Buffered Sodium Citrate) top tubes
Whole Blood, (1) light blue 3 mL (3.2% Buffered Sodium Citrate) top tubes OR (2) light blue 2 mL (3.2% Buffered Sodium Citrate) top tubes
Sample must be transported in an upright position without disruption. Do NOT transport sample via pneumatic tube system. It must be received in the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Hematology Lab within 2 hours of collection. All samples must be transported STAT directly to the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Hematology Lab. The laboratory should also be notified of the transport at 541-768-5059.
Clotted samples, samples collected in containers other than 3.2% buffered sodium citrate, tubes filled less than 90%, samples from patients with a Hematocrit greater than 55%, hemolyzed samples due to ex-vivo causes (i.e., difficult draw, poor sample draw), whole blood samples that were frozen before processing
Testing Information
Whole blood platelet adhesion and platelet aggregation
Samaritan Health Services Laboratories
Reference Values
COL/EPI Borderline:
153-170 seconds
COL/ADP Borderline:
108-120 seconds
COL/EPI: 80-152 seconds
COL/ADP: 53-107 seconds
TEST INTERPRETATIONS
(Most Common):
Normal Platelet Function
COL/EPI Normal
COL/ADP Normal
Consistent with drug-induced platelet dysfunction
COL/EPI Abnormal
COL/ADP Normal
Intrinsic platelet dysfunction; further studies are indicated
COL/EPI Abnormal
COL/ADP Abnormal
NOTE: Other interpretive comments may be used as test results indicate.
Last Updated:
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 12:36:08 PM