title: Platelet function tests for the monitoring of P2Y12 inhibitors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The individual response to clopidogrel therapy is unpredictable, resulting in high on-treatment platelet reactivity in a substantial number of patients. Moreover, consistent findings across multiple investigations point out that a strong relationship exists between high on-treatment platelet reactivity and the occurrence of atherothrombotic events.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper describes the current available methods of platelet function evaluation, including their advantages and drawbacks, reviews the evidence for the relation between high on-treatment platelet reactivity and clinical outcome, and discusses data concerning the clinical implications of platelet function testing in patients treated with thienopyridine therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reader will be introduced to platelet function testing and its clinical applicability. The reader will gain a better understanding of the techniques used and will learn how to interpret the numerous data on platelet function testing and clinical outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although a growing body of evidence demonstrates the promising potential of platelet function tests in predicting atherothrombotic events post stenting, platelet function testing should not yet be used routinely, as adequate treatment of high on-treatment platelet reactivity is unknown.
authors.affiliation: St Antonius Hospital, Department of Cardiology, PO Box 2500, 3435 CM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands +31 306099111 ; +31 306034420 ; w.van.werkum@antoniusziekenhuis.nl.
authors.forename: Nicoline J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Breet
authors.forename: Jochem W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: van Werkum
authors.forename: Heleen J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Bouman
authors.forename: Jurriën M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ten Berg
authors.forename: Christian M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Hackeng