Summary

Platelet activation is reported to correlate with acute coronarysyndromes. A platelet analysis method on the ADVIA^® 120Hematology System provides rapid analysis of platelet density,reported as mean platelet component (MPC) concentration,utilizes routine hematology specimens, requires no pre-treatment,and thirty seconds to generate results. Sub-populationsof platelets separated by density gradients showed excellentcorrelation with the ADVIA 120 MPC parameter(r = 0.997). Platelet activation induced by thrombin treatment resulted in a shift of platelets into the lowest density fraction(d = 1.068 g/mL) with a corresponding reduction in MPC from24.7 to 20.6 g/dL, N = 4 subjects (p < 0.004). There was alsoexcellent correlation between expression of CD62P measuredby fluorescence flow cytometry and the ADVIA 120Hematology System MPC values (r = 0.85). These results indicatethat the ADVIA 120 MPC parameter may be a useful newtest for assessing activated platelets and platelet density.