Effects of in vitro hemodilution of canine blood on platelet function analysis using the PFA-100

BACKGROUND: The platelet function analyzer (PFA)-100 is a point-of-care instrument previously evaluated in humans and dogs. In both species, artificially prolonged platelet closure time (CT) occurs with anemia. Reliability of the analyzer in dogs becomes a concern when the HCT is between 0.25 and 0.35 L/L. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to further define the level of HCT at which CT is prolonged, using in vitro diluted canine blood. METHODS: Citrated whole blood samples were collected from 22 healthy dogs. Initial HCT was determined and autologous platelet-rich plasma was added to samples to achieve HCTs of 0.33, 0.30, and 0.27 L/L. CT was determined in duplicate on the PFA-100 using collagen/adenosine-5'-diphosphate cartridges. RESULTS: Compared with the initial CT in samples with HCT 0.39-0.54 L/L (CT mean+/-SD=57.8+/-5.75 seconds), significantly prolonged CTs were found in hemodiluted samples with HCT 0.33 L/L (61.1+/-4.64 seconds), 0.30 L/L (64.3+/-6.79 seconds), and 0.27 L/L (70.8+/-7.90 seconds) (P=0.029; repeated measures ANOVA). CONCLUSION: Although statistical differences were found, further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of the mild prolongation in CT associated with mild anemia. Until then, dogs with HCTs slightly <0.35 L/L should be evaluated cautiously for platelet dysfunction using the PFA-100.