Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) Activity is a marker measured in a blood test that helps understand how easily your blood clots or dissolves clots, playing a crucial role in your body's ability to manage bleeding and healing. PAI-1 is a protein produced by various cells in your body, including those lining your blood vessels and fat cells. It acts as a natural brake in the clot-dissolving process; when its levels are within a normal range, it helps maintain a delicate balance between forming clots to stop bleeding and breaking them down to keep blood vessels clear and prevent blockages.

The Platelet Antibodies, Indirect (IgG, IgM, IgA) panel, featuring the Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgA) test, is a significant diagnostic asset in the realms of hematology and immunology, particularly for assessing conditions like thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and platelet dysfunction. The Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgA) component specifically measures the presence of immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies that target platelets. These antibodies are crucial in diagnosing autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia.

The Platelet Antibodies, Indirect (IgG, IgM, IgA) panel, featuring the Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgG) test, is a critical diagnostic tool in the field of hematology and immunology, particularly in the evaluation of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and platelet dysfunction disorders. The Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgG) test specifically measures the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that are directed against platelets. These antibodies play a significant role in various autoimmune conditions, where the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and destroys its own platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count.

The Platelet Antibodies, Indirect (IgG, IgM, IgA) panel, which includes the Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgM) test, is a crucial diagnostic tool in the realm of hematology and immunology, specifically for evaluating thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction disorders. The Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgM) test focuses on detecting the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies targeting platelets. These IgM antibodies are important in identifying autoimmune conditions and other disorders where the body's immune system erroneously attacks and destroys its own platelets, leading to a reduced platelet count.

Other names: Platelets, Thrombocyte Count

What are platelets?

Platelets (aka thrombocytes) are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. 

Where are platelets made?

Platelets are made in our bone marrow, the sponge-like tissue inside our bones. Bone marrow contains stem cells that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

What is the main function of platelets?

Platelets form clots when there’s damage to a blood vessel. For example, if you cut your finger, platelets mix with coagulation factors/clotting factors (proteins in the blood). Together, they form a “glue” that stops the bleeding.

This marker can give you additional information about your platelets and the cause of a high or low platelet count. Larger platelets are usually younger platelets that have been released earlier than normal from the bone marrow, while smaller platelets may be older and have been in circulation for a few days.

ANTIBODIES ASSOCIATED WITH:
This test by itself is not diagnostic for any condition or disease

Arterial Thrombosis
Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia
Cardiovascular Disease
Coronary Artery Disease
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

BODY TISSUE:

Cardiovascular and Endocrine

A Platelet Neutralization test in a blood test is a specialized laboratory test used to detect the presence of lupus anticoagulants (LAs), which are autoantibodies associated with blood clotting disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It is an essential component of the diagnostic process, but its interpretation requires consideration of other clinical and laboratory information.

Platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) is defined as the percentage of platelets that exceed the normal value of platelet volume of 12 fL in the total platelet count.

Platelet size has been shown to reflect platelet activity; therefore MPV (=Mean Platelet Volume) and P-LCR are a simple and easy method of indirect assessment of platelet stimulation.

PCT is the volume occupied by platelets in the blood as a percentage and calculated according to the formula PCT = platelet count × MPV / 10,000 (25-27).

Platinum (Pt) is a nonessential element that is sometimes detected in hair. However, the clinical significance of hair Pt has not been well studied. Hair treatments may contribute to artifactual contamination of scalp hair.

Pt is poorly absorbed in the gut but may be absorbed via inhalation. Since it is a relatively rare element, most Pt exposures are of occupational origin.

Urinary platinum (Pt) provides an indication of recent or ongoing exposure to the metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. Significant exposure to this non-essential, precious metal is unusual except in association with chemotherapy. Pt–containing, high-gold alloys have been used in dentistry for many decades. Platinum is poorly absorbed in the gut and high-level oral exposure is unlikely. Jewelers who make high-end jewelry may be exposed to Pt.

SOURCES:

Can be found in soil and river sediments, air, and jewelry. Used as a catalyst in the automotive, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. It’s resistance to oxidation makes it important in the manufacturing of laboratory equipment. It is also used as a chemotherapeutic agent. 

PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS:

Platinum binds to DNA and interferes with transcription and replication resulting in apoptosis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

Metallic forms are inert, but the complex salts can produce conjunctivitis, urticaria, dermatitis, and eczema with dermal exposure. Nephrotoxicity and thrombocytopenia are seen with platinum chemotherapeutic agents. Respiratory exposures can produce wheezing and shortness of breath.