Abstract

CAUNEDO ALMAGRO, Patricia. Flow cytometry in the study of platelets. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [online]. 2004, vol.20, n.1, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-2996.

During the 60’s the flow cytometry technique began to be developed, but the first papers based on this technique applied to the study of platelets appeared at the end of the 80’s in the last century. The flow cytometry assays complement and even can replace the conventional studies of platelet function. The advantages and limitations of the method ,as well as the platelet antigens that have been the most used as markers of platelet activation, are described. The diagnostic value of the method has been well established in the study of genetic defects, of the prothrombotic syndromes involving platelet activation, thrombopoiesis, antithrombotic therapy, studies of alo- and autoimmune thrombocytopenias, as well as the platelet activation in other clinical situations, such as acute myocardial infarction and unsteady angina. The incorporation of flow cytometry to the study of platelets has had an important repercussion not only on the diagnosis, but also on the physiopathology of a group of diseases related to platelet behavior

Keywords : flow cytometry; platelets.