title: Diagnostic approach to platelet function disorders.
abstract: Platelet disorders are common bleeding disorders, with a variety of congenital and acquired causes. The diagnostic evaluation of platelet disorders challenges both clinicians and clinical laboratories, as testing for these conditions is complex, not well standardized and time consuming. An understanding of normal platelet function has provided insights on the pathogenesis of many platelet function disorders. Knowledge of the key features of platelet disorders aids their diagnostic assessment. Tests for aggregation, secretion and dense granule defects continue to be the most helpful for the evaluation of suspected platelet function disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Room 2N30, McMaster University Medical Center, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5. haywrdc@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Catherine P M
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Hayward
mesh_terms: D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D001791:Blood Platelet Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D010979:Platelet Function Tests; D013997:Time Factors