ESTIMATION OF PLATELET FRAGILITY

Abstract

The coagulation time of platelet-containing plasma is sharply reduced on dilution with hypotonic salt soln. Bleeder plasma coagulates at the same rate as normal plasma at the lower salt cones. It is assumed as a tentative explanation that bleeder platelets are more resistant to hypotonic salt soln. than are normal platelets. When they do disintegrate they may release as much thromboplastin as do normal platelets. The coagulation time of cloudy plasma, when made hypotonic, is an index of platelet fragility.