Functional platelet aggregation analysis using digital optofluidic scattering quantitation

Abstract

Platelet aggregation rate is a crucial indicator for platelet function testing in clinical practice. Currently, the most common method for detecting platelet aggregation rate is by using a platelet aggregation analyzer to detect platelet-rich plasma or washed platelets. This method works based on the principle of light transmittance ratio, which measures the difference of the light transmittance before and after the reaction between the sample and the inducer to represent the aggregation rate of the sample. Although this method only requires a few minutes to complete after the sample is collected and processed, it requires a large sample volume. Moreover, it cannot accurately detect samples with low aggregation rate and chyle blood due to the slight difference in light transmittance before and after the reaction, which poses significant challenges for doctors in the clinical diagnosis and treatment determination for platelet aggregation dysfunction. To overcome this limitation, we propose a novel method for assessing platelet aggregation rate by leveraging the capabilities of digital microfluidics for automated precision manipulation of minute liquid droplets.