platelet aggregation test

Definition: a test of the ability of platelets to adhere to each other and hence form a hemostatic plug to prevent bleeding; failure to aggregate occurs in several conditions, thrombasthenia, Von Willebrand disease, and following administration of aspirin, phenylbutazone, and indomethacin; the test is conducted by quantitating the decrease in turbidity that occurs in platelet-rich plasma following the in vitro addition of one or several platelet-aggregating agents (ADP, epinephrine, or serotonin).

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