Have you ever felt like you bruise easily or have bleeding that's hard to stop? Or do you have a family member with a history of stroke or heart attack? These conditions may be related to blood clotting disorders. One way to check for these disorders is to have a platelet aggregation test.
What is platelet aggregation?
The ability of platelets to clump together to stop bleeding. Platelets are components of blood cells that play an important role in the clotting process. When a wound occurs, platelets clump together and form a clot to stop the bleeding.
Why is platelet aggregation testing important?
Platelet aggregation screening is important not only for evaluating patients with excessive bleeding (hypoaggregation), but also in other situations. For example, in people at high risk of stroke or heart attack due to excessive clot formation (hyperaggregation) that clogs blood vessels. To prevent such risks, patients may be given antithrombocyte drugs such as low-dose aspirin or clopidogrel, which reduce the activation or ability of platelets to aggregate.
How does blood clot?
An injury causes the blood vessels to contract, causing them to shrink and release less blood. When a blood vessel is torn, the collagen underneath the lining of the vessel is exposed, attracting platelets to the wound site. Cells in the blood vessels release von Willebrand factor, which acts like glue to help the platelets stick together. These platelets are then activated, changing shape from smooth disks to spiky balls and releasing chemical signals to attract other platelets. Because the platelet plug is not strong enough, clotting factors convert fibrinogen in the blood into fibrin. The fibrin filaments weave and stick over the platelet plug, holding the clot in place. Within minutes, the clot forms a tight seal over the wound, preventing blood from leaking out.
What are the symptoms of thrombophilia?
Platelet aggregation disorders can affect the ability of the blood to clot normally. Symptoms fall into two main categories: platelet hypo-aggregation and platelet hyper-aggregation.
Platelet hypo-aggregation:
Bruises easily and take longer to heal than normal.
Excessive bleeding from small cuts or lacerations.
Frequent nosebleeds (epistaxis).
Bleeding under the skin (petechiae).
Unusually heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).
Platelet hyper-aggregation:
Headache, migraine headache.
Chest pain (angina pectoris).
Recurrent miscarriages.
Swelling and pain in your calves or feet.
Redness or discoloration of the skin of the legs.
Blurred vision to blindness due to complete blockage.
What should I do before the platelet aggregation test?
Patients are asked to fast 10 - 14 hours before blood collection, can only drink water
Do not consume fizzy drinks, chocolate and excessive red meat
Do not eat fatty foods for 24-36 hours.
Patients are expected to report any medications that may interfere with the test such as aspirin, penicillin, corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs.
What does a platelet aggregation test result mean?
Platelet aggregation test results are usually used to determine if there is a problem with the ability of platelets to help the blood clot. If the results are abnormal, it may indicate a disorder of platelet function that may be caused by an inherited disease or condition.
When should a platelet check be done?
When a person experiences symptoms of platelet dysfunction, such as excessive bleeding, including easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding gums, excessive bleeding during dental procedures, and others.
Before surgery or other invasive procedures
during surgery, especially prolonged surgery
If you are taking medications that can affect platelet function
It is important to consult a physician before undergoing this test.
If you have any concerns regarding blood clotting disorders, please do not hesitate to contact our doctors at K-Lab Medical Center. We are ready to provide consultation services and test recommendations that suit your condition. For more information about this test, you can contact our WhatsApp clinic at 081381367915.
Sumber:
Medlineplus - Platelet aggregation test
Testing - Platelet Function Tests
Aido - Petunjuk Kondisi Kesehatan, Apa Itu Agregasi Trombosit?
Blood.co.uk - Functions of blood: clotting
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