Point-of-Care Platelet Function Tests

Platelets play a key role in primary hemostasis but are also important contributors to pathological thrombotic disorders. Inherited or acquired platelet dysfunction (e.g., cardiac patients on dual antiplatelet therapy) can influence bleeding during surgery. However, in the literature, evidence for the usefulness of perioperative platelet function monitoring is still sparse. Several point-of-care platelet function tests have been developed recently; these can be performed on whole blood in near-patient settings such as in operating theaters or intensive care units. The potential advantages of these tests are simplified workflows, rapid turnaround times, and targeted management of coagulation disorders. The ideal point-of-care platelet analyzer does not exist; every technique has its strengths and weaknesses. It is therefore important to understand the potential indications and limitations of the different devices available. In this chapter, we will present the five point-of-care platelet function analyzers most widely used in perioperative care today.