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News Alert
Effective August 1, 2006
Beginning August 1, 2006, the ProMedica Laboratories of Toledo, Toledo Children's and Flower Hospitals will discontinue the Bleeding Time test as part of the assessment of hemostasis. It will be replaced by the Platelet Function Screen. This screening test will be offered 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
The sample requirement is one 4.5mL glass 3.2% sodium citrate tube kept at room temperature, and an EDTA sample. The test must be performed within four hours of collection, and cannot be performed on samples that have been centrifuged, or transported via a pneumatic tube system.
The Platelet Function Screen (PFA), performed on the PFA-100® System is an in vitro test system designed for clinical laboratory use that is capable of detecting platelet dysfunction using two types of test cartridges, Collagen/Epinephrine, and Collagen/ADP. Results obtained above the laboratory established reference ranges may indicate the need for further diagnostic testing, such as platelet aggregometry. Platelet dysfunction detected by the PFA-100® may be acquired, inherited, or induced by platelet inhibiting agents. The most common causes of platelet dysfunction are related to uremia, vonWillebrand disease, and exposure to agents such as aspirin. Platelet plug formation in the PFA-100® system is affected by low platelet counts, inadequate Won Willebrand factor status, and inadequate hematocrit levels. Evaluation of results in conjunction with clinical history is necessary.
PFA testing may also be found useful in detecting patients that are non-responsive to long-term aspirin therapy, and are at higher risk of experiencing a thromboembolic event.
The test will be ordered as a Platelet Function Screen (PFA). Results will be reported as closure time in seconds, along with an interpretation of the results.
| Reference range: | Collagen/Epinephrine (Col/Epi) | 87 - 183 secs |
| Collagen/ADP (Col/ADP) | 62 - 109 secs |
Testing Locations/ProMedica Draw Sites: Westgate Meadows, ProMedica Health Center Woodley, ProMedica Health Center West, Center for Health Services, Conrad Jobst Tower, Toledo Hospital 1st Floor Lab, Flower Hospital Lab
Any questions or concerns may be addressed to Dr. Steven Greenwood at 419-291-4134.