The Multiplate^® analyzer is a new platelet function analyzer utilizing the analysis of whole blood.

Whole blood is the physiological environment where platelet function takes place in vivo, and the use of whole blood for in-vitro testing eliminates the need for time-consuming centrifugation steps required for Born aggregation measurements.

A number of specific test reagents are available to allow triggering of different receptors / signal transduction pathways of the platelet in order to detect changes induced by drugs or congenital disorders.

The Multiplate^® detects the effects of the platelet inhibitors Aspirin^®, clopidogrel and GpIIb/IIIa antagonists, and also the newer direct ADP receptor antagonists.

The use of a small amount of whole blood (0.3 ml per test) allows the differentiated assessment of platelet function without drawing large amounts of blood (as required for analysis of Born aggregation) and facilitates the analysis of blood from children and also in experimental settings (animals).

The term Multiplate^® is derived from the phrase “multiple platelet function analyzer”. Multiple stands for the multiple electrodes in the disposable test cell (4 electrodes form 2 independent sensor units), multiple channels of the instrument (5) as well as multiple test procedures available for a comprehensive assessment of platelet function.