Platelet Aggregation

Platelet aggregation is a process in which a clump of platelets gathers together to form a plug. It is an important process in the clotting of blood, and is also involved in both normal and pathological circumstances. Platelet aggregation is triggered in response to a variety of stimuli, including tissue injury, shear stress, and the presence of specific agonists. Impaired platelet aggregation can lead to bleeding disorders, while excessive platelet aggregation can cause pathological clot formation and is implicated in a number of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Platelet aggregation testing is used to assess platelet function in clinical laboratories, and is thus an important tool in the diagnosis and management of such clot-related diseases.