Flow cytometry of platelets for clinical analysis

Flow cytometry has proven quite effective in clinical examinations of platelet function and pathology, especially with demonstration of subpopulations of platelets with differing attributes. Detection of activated platelets in vivo in thrombotic patients is a particularly critical area of study, but it is made more difficult by ex vivo activation of platelets in sample collection and preparation; however, use of multiple markers and correlation with therapeutic interventions strengthens the results and their prognostic value. While there are few flow cytometry procedures well-enough established with platelets to be used in routine hematology laboratories, assays of receptor occupancy by flow will be of tremendous benefit in monitoring the new platelet-directed antithrombotic drugs being developed. Clinical application of flow cytometry with platelets is still on a growth curve.