METHODS FOR DETERMINING PLATELET ACTIVITY WITH ANTIPLATELET COMPOSITIONS

摘要

Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for the determination of platelet activity on samples such as whole blood that have been affected by exposure to an antiplatelet therapeutic agent such as, e.g., aspiring or a thienopyridine. A combination is provided in a reaction medium wherein the combination comprises the sample and a particle reagent comprising a GP IIb/IIIa receptor ligand such as fibrinogen covalently attached to particles. The medium further comprises a polyhydroxy aromatic compound and a metal cation. The combination is incubated under conditions for agglutinating the particles. The extent of agglutination of the particles is determined and is related to the platelet function activity of the sample. The methods and compositions have particular application to the detection of platelet sensitivity to therapy using aspirin or a thienopyridine and the assessment of the efficacy of such therapy.