Plateletworks: Rapid Platelet Function Screening at the Point of Care

HORIBA ABX, in association with GTA (UK) Ltd, is kick-starting the UK distribution of the novel diagnostic screening assay, Plateletworks.

Plateletworks, manufactured by Helena Laboratories, Beaumont, Texas, provides a rapid, easy solution for measuring platelet function. To date, the ability to assess platelet function at the point of care has been elusive, especially in the clinical environment. However the Plateletworks kits have been specifically developed for point of care (POC) testing to determine four aspects of platelet function: total count, percentage aggregation or inhibition and functional count.

Congenital and acquired conditions, such as cirrhosis or drug therapy, can affect platelets and inhibit their function or production. The presence of dysfunctional platelets is thought to contribute to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) bleeding and other haemorrhagic problems. Without the knowledge of an individual’s platelet function it is difficult for physicians to decide upon quantities of expensive blood products and drugs needed to treat the patient’s condition. With Plateletworks one simple test can achieve both quantitative and qualitative platelet assessments within minutes. The results will help determine, for example, whether anti-platelet therapy is working for the patient or if the patient will need a platelet transfusion. Using Plateletworks the physician has the ability to make an informed decision on effective and efficient administration of blood products and drugs to the patient relevant to their condition.

The Plateletworks system ensures POC testing is kept as simple and quick as possible for the healthcare worker; whole blood samples are used, requiring no sample preparation. Four Plateletworks kits are currently available for processing on a HORIBA ABX haematology analyser for ease-of-use and results in less than five minutes.

Currently, Plateletworks is being integrated into three UK Evaluation sites: Frimley Park Hospital, a three star rated hospital with an established POC team; Liverpool Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC), a centre of excellence and one of the largest specialist heart and chest hospitals in the UK; and Nottingham City whose major research interests include clinical haematology, diabetes/endocrinology and urology.

In addition to the currently available ADP and Collagen agonists, Helena Laboratories will also soon be offering further Plateletworks tests, i.e. arachidonic acid and Ristocetin, for more precise assessment of drug induced platelet conditions.