Platelet aggregation refers to the process by which individual platelets in the blood clump together to form a clot. This is a vital step in haemostasis, the body's natural mechanism for stopping bleeding.
When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets are activated and adhere to the injury site. They release chemical signals that attract additional platelets, initiating a cascade of complex interactions and signalling pathways. This results in the formation of a platelet plug, which helps seal the vessel and prevent further blood loss.
Platelet aggregation is essential for normal blood clotting and protecting the body from excessive bleeding. However, when this process becomes abnormal, it can lead to clotting disorders or increase the risk of thrombosis, the formation of unwanted clots within blood vessels.
Platelet aggregation testing is a key component of haemostasis assessment, used to identify potential blood-related issues. Often performed alongside a platelet count, it helps determine whether platelets are functioning correctly and if the blood clotting process is working as it should. This type of testing can assist in diagnosing conditions such as von Willebrand disease and is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for blood disorders. There are three main methods commonly used: light transmission aggregometry (LTA), multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA), and viscoelastometric testing. These tests support the diagnosis of bleeding disorders and the monitoring of antiplatelet therapies.
With years of accumulated expertise in haemostasis and the practical skills of our in-house teams, we've developed reliable, cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Our products are designed to deliver the best possible results while remaining affordable and accessible. Over time, we’ve refined a range of reagents used in platelet function testing, including LTA, MEA, and viscoelastometric methods. These tests are commonly used as initial screening for bleeding disorders and to monitor the effectiveness of antiplatelet therapies. At Hart Biologicals, we provide high-quality platelet aggregation testing. Backed by state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to quality, we deliver trusted results, time after time.
Our R&D team works closely with customers to understand their challenges, define solutions, and identify specific project needs. Whether it's reliable, innovative reagents and kits tailored to exact specifications, or bespoke research-use-only prototypes for testing, we deliver with precision. All manufacturing is carried out at our Hartlepool headquarters, giving us full control over products, processes, and documentation, ensuring the highest quality standards are consistently met. We actively welcome collaboration on new concepts in this ever-evolving field of diagnostics. Hart Biologicals offers comprehensive support across the product lifecycle, including product validation, international regulatory guidance, and clinical validation. We are ISO 13485:2016 certified and comply with FDA Title 21 CFR Part 820 and EU IVDR. Validation documentation is provided at every stage, helping to ensure quality and accelerate time-to-market, covering platelet counts, aggregation tests, blood cell analysis, bleeding disorder diagnostics, and platelet function testing.
We’re proud to offer a complete haemostasis catalogue, now fully supported by these essential reagents. For more information or to place an order from our full portfolio of blood testing reagents, please click the link below:
