Laboratory Medicine Program

Platelet Bleeding Time - In-vitro
(PFA-100/Platelet Function, In-vitro Platelet Closure Time)

Clinical Decription:
Indications are for the diagnosis of platelet-related defects. The whole blood platelet closure time uses citrated whole blood passed through a membrane aperture containing Collagen/Epinephrine or Collagen/ADP on an instrument called Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA). The time to aperture closure with a platelet plug is measured and correlates well with traditional bleeding times.

Method: Platelet Function Analyzer; Siemens PFA-100

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
Col/Epi 72-160 seconds | Col/ADP 47-119 seconds

Specimen Type: Whole Blood (citrate)
Collected In: 3.2% Sodium Citrate
Volume: 3 mL (minimum: 3 mL)

Shipping: Room temperature

Special Instructions: Test performed only on business days from 08:00 to 15:00. Patient should be fasting, if possible. Patient must be free from aspirin or drugs that inhibit platelet function such as NSAIDs for 10 days prior to testing. Samples with low platelet counts (< 100 x 10E9/L) may produce false abnormal results and are therefore not suitable for testing. Immediately following collection, the samples must be hand-delivered to the Core Laboratory; delivery via the pneumatic tube system is NOT acceptable. Samples must be clearly labeled "DO NOT SPIN" to avoid accidental centrifugation.

Testing Schedule(s): Monday through Friday 0900-1500 hrs.

Turnaround Time: 1 day

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For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227

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