Performance Metrics of the AGGRESTAR PL-12® Platelet Function Analyser in Patients with TIA or Ischaemic Stroke on Commonly-Prescribed Antiplatelet Regimens

Abstract

Introduction: The optimal time interval after venepuncture to perform platelet function/reactivity testing at low shear stress on the novel AGGRESTAR PL-12® platelet function analyser in non-Chinese Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD) patients is unknown. Methods: Twelve TIA/ischaemic stroke patients were recruited to this cross-sectional, methodological study: 3 on aspirin monotherapy, aspirindipyridamole combination therapy, clopidogrel monotherapy and aspirinclopidogrel combination therapy, respectively. The PL-12 (‘mode 2’) was used to calculate the % maximum aggregation rate to fixed doses of arachidonic acid (%MARAA) and adenosine diphosphate (%MARADP). Samples were analysed every 15 minutes from 30-135 minutes, and every 30 minutes between 165-225 minutes after venepuncture to calculate the time interval providing optimal interassay Coefficients of Variation (CVs). Results: Mean CVs were ≤ 7.37% for the %MARAA assay in patients on aspirin monotherapy or combination therapy, and ≤ 10.24% for the %MARADP assay in patients on clopidogrel monotherapy or combination therapy if assays were performed between 90-120 minutes post-venepuncture. CVs ≤ 10% were also obtained from assays performed between 90-165 minutes postvenepuncture on aspirin monotherapy or combination therapy. Discussion: Reliable and reproducible platelet function/reactivity data can be obtained with the AGGRESTAR PL-12 analyser in non-Chinese CVD patients on commonly-prescribed antiplatelet monotherapy or combination therapy regimens between 90-120 minutes post-venepuncture.