Measurement of platelet function
Platelet function was measured by whole blood impedance aggregometry
(Multiplate, Roche, software version V2.03.11). The Multiplate was a five channel
computerised system that used disposable cuvettes with two independent pairs of
silver plated wires and a polytetrafluoroethylene coated rotating magnetic bar. The
activation of platelets resulted in adhesion to the wires that lead to elevations in
electrical resistance, which was continuously registered and transformed into arbitrary
aggregation units and plotted against time.