Platelet Glycoprotein analysis

Description: 
The presence or absence of specific platelet surface receptors can be investigated with antibodies conjugated to fluorescent markers and detected by flow cytometry. Platelets are analysed for the following glycoprotein receptor expression: CD29(GPIIa/ITGB1), CD31(GPIIa/PECAM), CD36(GPIV), CD41(GPIIb), CD42a(GPIX), CD42b(GPIb alpha), CD61(GPIIIa), CD49 (GPIa/ITGA2), CD62P (P-selectin). Analysis performed by Special Haematology laboratory and interpreted by Diagnostic Haemostasis and Thrombosis laboratory.

This test is not currently included in the laboratory's UKAS scope of accreditation to ISO15189:2012.
Clinical details: 
Platelets are anucleate fragments of the cytoplasm of their parent cell, the megakaryocyte. They circulate predominantly at the margins of blood vessels in a dormant, resting state, but are capable of a rapid and dramatic response to various stimuli arising from vessel trauma. They have a complex structure that facilitates their specialised functions, of which the main ones are listed below:
● Interaction with collagen-captured VWF to form the initial barrier to blood loss
● Propagate the clot via platelet aggregation
● Provide the platform for secondary haemostasis
● Localisation mechanisms
● Maintain endothelial junction integrity.
Exposure of sub-endothelial collagen after vessel trauma promotes binding of VWF which tethers platelets via their GpIb receptor. Blood flow rolls the platelet over where it forms stable associations via separate collagen binding receptors which also serves to activate the platelet. Activated platelets change their shape to promote effective physical interaction and release of the contents of cytoplasmic granules which activate more platelets and promote platelet-to-platelet aggregation via fibrinogen bridging of receptors on adjacent platelets. Biochemical pathways are also activated to promote aggregation, and the phospholipid membrane re-organises to promote localisation of secondary haemostasis to stabilise the platelet plug. Reduced platelet numbers, receptor deficiency/dysfunction, granule deficiency or granule content deficiency, biochemical abnormalilties and drug interactions can lead to bleeding disorders. Quantitative receptor deficiencies can be detected using labelled antibodies in flow cytometry.
Reference range: 

Normal expression

Synonyms or keywords: 
Primary haemostatic disorder, platelet, Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia, Bernard Soulier syndrome
Sample type and Volume required: 
External requests: minimum EDTA 1 x 1mL whole blood.
Internal requests: please refer to EPR label.
Call in advance: 
Yes
Turnaround time: 
Analysed immediately, report within 7-10 days
Special sample instructions: 

The test must be arranged in advance with the laboratory  on 0207 188 8189. Samples should be sent with a normal travel control sample. Samples must be processed within 4 hours of venepuncture. 

Please note: For clinical or technical advice please contact the Diagnostic Haemostasis and Thrombosis Department in the first instance.  Contact details listed in tab 'ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THIS TEST'

Storage and transport: 
Samples must be transported with a travel control taken from a healthy donor. Samples should be transported at ambient temperature. This test is time sensitive and samples must be transported immediately following venepuncture. To ensure samples are bought directly to the laboratory, please label the outside of the transport container using the printable labels found in the 'further info' tab of this web page. Please inform the laboratory by telephone when a sample for this test is in transit.
Contacts:
Flow Cytometry/Immunophenotyping Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Guy's Hospital
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 17:00
4th Floor – Southwark Wing
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Telephone – 020 7188 2709

St Thomas’ Hospital
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00
5th Floor – North Wing
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Telephone – 020 7188 3421

Flow Cytometry/Immunophenotyping Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Haematology:
Natalia.Curto-Garcia@gstt.nhs.uk
Jennifer.OSullivan@gstt.nhs.uk
Hugues.DeLavallade@gstt.nhs.uk
Histopathology:
Anna.Green@gstt.nhs.uk
Yurina.Miki@gstt.nhs.uk
Mark.Ong@gstt.nhs.uk
Platelet Glycoprotein:
Aine.McCormick@viapath.co.uk
Oliver.M.Galvez@gstt.nhs.uk

Flow Cytometry/Immunophenotyping Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Technical Advisory Service
Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Oliver.M.Galvez@gstt.nhs.uk
Yvonne.Daniel@gstt.nhs.uk

For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

For advice/queries on reports, please contact:

Diagnostic Haemostasis and Thrombosis Department at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital: St Thomas' Hospital, North Wing - 4th and 5th Floors - North Wing, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH. St Thomas': 020 7188 2797; Guy's: 020 7188 7188 ext. 53860. 

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Last updated: 07/11/2022