Whole Blood Platelet Aggregation Assessed by ROTEM Platelet Equipment in Healthy Volunteers from Southern Europe: A Verification Study

Abstract

Background This study aimed to verify the reference intervals (RIs) recently established in the Danish population for platelet aggregation induced by a specific agonist of the rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) platelet impedance aggregometer. Our local results were also compared with those published by the manufacturer. Methods This prospective study included healthy blood donors. Subjects with a history of coagulopathy, those on antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy, or those taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were excluded. Blood samples were collected for ROTEM® platelet arachidonic acid thromboelastometry (ARATEM), adenosine-di-phosphate thromboelastometry (ADPTEM), and thrombin receptor-activating peptide-6 thromboelastometry (TRAPTEM). The parameters determined were the area under the curve (AUC, ohm·min), maximum amplitude at 6 min (A6, ohm), and maximum slope (MS, ohm/min). Values are expressed as 2.5th–97.5th percentiles. Comparisons are expressed as local vs Danish and manufacturer population RIs. Number (n) and percentage (%) of local tests below (<2.5th percentile) of the Danish and manufacturer population are shown. Results Forty donors (19 male; mean, 58 [range: 56 to 60] years) were included. There were no differences between our results and those published for the Danish population. In contrast, all ARATEM and ADPTEM values were lower in the local vs manufacturer group. Conclusions Our results confirm those published for the Danish population, with respect to the ROTEM platelet aggregometer. Clinicaltrials.gov Registration Number NCT02652897