Clinical Information

Platelets have essential roles in primary hemostasis. Exposed collagen at a vascular damage site can activate platelets via collagen receptor GPVI and GPIa and bind shear-stretched multimeric VWF proteins, which subsequently interact with the platelet surface receptor, GPIb-V-IX. Upon full activation, platelets can aggregate by binding to fibrinogen through activated GPIIb-GPIIIa receptors. Deficiency of platelet surface glycoproteins can cause bleeding diathesis.

Platelet flow cytometric analysis is the preferred method to assess hereditary platelet disorders due to quantitative surface glycoprotein (GP) deficiencies. GP expression levels can be measured by using fluorescent-conjugated GP-specific antibodies and their fluorescent intensities can be compared to normal ranges of various glycoproteins.