What laboratory test can be used to assess platelet function?

Platelet aggregation tests are specifically designed to evaluate platelet function by measuring how well platelets clump together in response to various stimuli. This is essential for understanding conditions related to platelet dysfunction or assessing the effectiveness of antiplatelet therapies. The test typically involves adding specific agonists to a sample of the patient's blood and observing the response in terms of platelet aggregation. This functionality is critical in diagnosing and managing conditions such as coronary artery disease and in monitoring patients who are on antiplatelet medications.

In contrast, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) primarily assesses the number and types of blood cells, including the total platelet count, but does not provide information on how well those platelets function. Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) are both tests used to evaluate the coagulation pathway rather than platelet function, focusing on factors involved in blood clotting rather than on the aggregation and activity of platelets themselves. Therefore, to assess how well platelets are functioning in terms of aggregation, platelet aggregation tests are the appropriate choice.