Monitoring of platelet function inhibitors: requirements for analytic strategies

Abstract

In this survey, the requirements for platelet function analysis are reviewed from a haemostaseologist's point of view. Problems and difficulties in platelet function diagnostics, i. e. in the methods and procedures used for measurement are described. Although drugs that interfere with certain parts of platelet function become more and more precise, we did not succeed in treating the patient with the optimal drug and in monitoring its efficacy accurately. A new quality of drug therapy is to be reached in order to immediately recognise idio-syncrasies, toxic reactions or drug induced side effects. For this, in time POCT methods should be used by medical staff. Furthermore, the methodical range of haemostaseologic laboratories should guarantee a high quality in acute and long-term drug monitoring.